Wizards of the Coast have finally admitted that no one truly understands the grappling rules in D&D 4th edition. Now the sad part of this is that, 4th edition grappling rules, are much much more simplified over the earlier editions.

Many a D&Dcharacter has gone down to defeat while writhing in an opponent’s grasp. Unfortunately, many a D&D game has come to a grinding halt as the DM and players struggled with the grappling rules. This article can’t do much about the mayhem that ensues when big a monster grabs your character, but it can ease the confusion surrounding the grappling rules.”

From All About Grappling (Part One):
By Skip Williams