When you’re locked in a life-or-death duel, it’s not just about who can hit the hardest—it’s about who can stay standing. In tabletop roleplaying games like Pathfinder, your ability to avoid getting tripped, grappled, or shoved aside can be just as important as swinging a sword. That’s where Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD) comes into play.
Whether you’re a new player trying to understand the mechanics, or a veteran looking to optimize your build, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Combat Maneuver Defense—and how to use it to hold your ground when it matters most.
TRENDING
Unpacking The Mystery: A Delivery From The Past
What Is Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD)?
In Pathfinder (and similar systems), Combat Maneuver Defense is the target number an opponent must beat when trying to use a combat maneuver against you. These maneuvers include:
- Grapple
- Trip
- Disarm
- Bull Rush
- Sunder
- Dirty Trick
- Reposition, and more.
Unlike traditional AC (Armor Class), which protects against weapon strikes, CMD defends you from being controlled or moved by an opponent’s special tactics.
So, if a goblin tries to trip your warrior in the middle of a heated battle, they need to roll higher than your CMD to succeed.
The Formula: How Is CMD Calculated?
The standard formula for calculating Combat Maneuver Defense in Pathfinder is:
CMD = 10 + Base Attack Bonus + Strength Modifier + Dexterity Modifier + Special Size Modifier + Misc Bonuses
Let’s break that down:
- Base Attack Bonus (BAB): Your character’s proficiency in combat.
- Strength Modifier: Your physical power helps you resist grapples, trips, and other physical maneuvers.
- Dexterity Modifier: Agility also plays a part in resisting certain types of maneuvers.
- Size Modifier: Larger creatures get bonuses; smaller ones get penalties.
- Misc Bonuses: These can come from feats, magic items, or class features.
Example:
A level 5 fighter with STR 16 (+3), DEX 14 (+2), and a BAB of +5 would have:
CMD = 10 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 0 (medium size) = 20
This means enemies must roll higher than 20 on their Combat Maneuver Bonus (CMB) + d20 roll to affect you with a combat maneuver.
Why Combat Maneuver Defense Matters
At first glance, CMD might seem like just another stat on your character sheet. But it can be the difference between standing tall or ending up pinned, prone, or disarmed—especially at higher levels when enemies use trickier tactics.
Here’s why CMD is critical:
- Survivability: Getting grappled or tripped can open you up to devastating attacks.
- Action Economy: If you’re immobilized, you lose actions—often the most valuable resource in combat.
- Tactical Advantage: Enemies often target low CMD characters to disrupt the party. A strong CMD makes you less of a target.
If you’re the frontline tank, improving your CMD ensures you can maintain positioning, protect allies, and control the battlefield.
Combat Maneuver Defense vs Armor Class
It’s easy to confuse CMD with AC, but they serve different roles:
| Stat | Protects Against | Calculation Factors |
|---|---|---|
| AC | Weapon attacks, spells | Armor, Dex, Shield, etc. |
| CMD | Combat maneuvers | BAB, STR, DEX, Size, etc. |
Key Difference: AC defends against damage; CMD defends against being manipulated.
While AC can be bolstered with armor and magical protection, CMD often relies on your physical stats and combat prowess.
How To Improve Your Combat Maneuver Defense
Now that you know how crucial CMD is, how can you boost it?
Increase Strength and Dexterity
Since both STR and DEX directly affect CMD, boosting either will increase your resistance to combat maneuvers.
- Fighters and Barbarians often invest heavily in Strength.
- Rogues and Monks may lean on Dexterity.
Don’t neglect these if you’re frequently targeted with grapples or trips.
Gain More Base Attack Bonus (BAB)
Classes with full BAB progression (like Fighters, Paladins, Barbarians) naturally gain higher CMD. Consider multiclassing or choosing a class that scales well if CMD is part of your strategy.
Use the Right Feats
Some feats are game-changers for CMD:
- Improved Grapple/Trip/Bull Rush: These not only enhance your offensive maneuvers but also help with defense.
- Defensive Combat Training: Makes your CMD scale with your character level instead of BAB—a lifesaver for casters and rogues.
- Stand Still: Prevents movement-based maneuvers and helps control battlefield flow.
Size Matters
Size modifiers play a big role. Being Large gives +1 to CMD, Huge gives +2, and so on. Conversely, being Small or Tiny results in penalties.
Spells like Enlarge Person can temporarily boost your size—and your CMD.
Magic and Buffs
Don’t underestimate magical enhancements:
- Shield of Faith and Barkskin indirectly help by boosting defenses.
- Freedom of Movement completely negates grapples and similar effects.
- Items like Belt of Giant Strength or Amulet of Agile Fists can bump your STR or DEX.
Combat Maneuver Defense For Casters And Support Characters
Most spellcasters have low BAB and don’t stack STR or DEX. This makes them prime targets for enemy grapples and trips.
Tips for Spellcasters:
- Defensive Combat Training feat is almost mandatory.
- Use Mage Armor and Shield to discourage attacks, even if they don’t boost CMD.
- Stay out of reach—distance is your best defense.
- Cast Freedom of Movement or Dimension Door if you get pinned.
If you’re a wizard or cleric, your best defense may be simply not getting into melee in the first place.
Combat Maneuver Defense In Team Strategy
CMD isn’t just an individual stat—it affects your whole party.
- Frontliners with high CMD should draw enemy aggression.
- Rogues and casters should avoid positioning that puts them at risk of being grappled.
- Tanks should consider feats or tactics that protect their allies from maneuvers (e.g., Bodyguard feat or Aid Another actions).
A well-coordinated team considers CMD when deciding formation and positioning. Know who can hold the line—and who can’t.
Common Combat Maneuver Combos (And How CMD Counters Them)
Let’s take a look at popular enemy tactics and how a high CMD saves you:
- Trip + Full Attack: Enemy knocks you prone, then unloads attacks with bonuses. High CMD avoids the trip entirely.
- Grapple + Pin + Coup de Grâce: Once grappled, you’re helpless. A strong CMD can prevent this chain before it starts.
- Bull Rush + Trap: Some creatures try to push you into traps, fire, or environmental hazards. CMD stops the push.
- Disarm + Sunder: You lose your weapon, then your backup. CMD helps keep your gear safe.
Understanding these tactics helps you anticipate what enemies are likely to try—and prepare accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Combat Maneuver Defense might not be the flashiest stat on your sheet, but it’s one of the most strategically important. It represents your ability to stay in control, resist manipulation, and keep fighting on your own terms.
Whether you’re a fighter protecting your allies, or a spellcaster trying to stay out of harm’s way, knowing how CMD works—and how to improve it—will help you stand your ground when the odds are stacked against you.
Remember: it’s not just about dealing damage—it’s about staying on your feet long enough to win.
ALSO READ: Discovering Charm And Flavors At Uma Manhattan Cafe
FAQs
What is Combat Maneuver Defense (CMD)?
Combat Maneuver Defense is the number that an opponent must beat to successfully perform a combat maneuver against you in Pathfinder. It defends against things like grapples, trips, bull rushes, and more.
How can I increase my CMD?
You can increase CMD by boosting your Strength, Dexterity, Base Attack Bonus, choosing defensive feats like Defensive Combat Training, and using size-enhancing spells or magic items.
Is CMD affected by armor or shields?
No, most armor bonuses that affect AC do not directly affect CMD—though some magical enhancements may help. CMD is based more on raw physical ability and combat skill.
What classes have the best CMD?
Classes with full Base Attack Bonus (Fighter, Barbarian, Paladin) naturally have higher CMD. They also tend to invest in Strength and Dexterity, which helps further.
Can CMD be used against all maneuvers?
Yes, CMD is the default defense against most combat maneuvers. However, certain maneuvers may have additional conditions (e.g., pinned targets are easier to trip). Always check the maneuver’s specific rules.
