I have fairly short legs, right around 28-29 inch inseam or so. I was wondering what the optimal guard is for someone with short legs? Thanks.
Half guard and butterfly guard are usually thought of as the stockier grapplers guards, I have short legs and that's what I've found the most success with. If you're stocky, you're probably going to be working your sweeps from the bottom, as opposed to being a triangle/armbar from guard guy.
I'm with SH5, just keep your legs open and learn to maneuver and reestablish your guard when he tries to pass.
You should look into the type of guard that a guy Marcelo Garcia plays. Short legs are really fit for playing an x-guard game as well as the armdrag game to taking the back. They have a great advantage because they can clamp an opponent down very easily. You should try everything and see what works. But you should always remember the guard works best when it is OPEN.