
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport that is played both recreationally and competitively. To win a game of badminton, a player must typically reach 21 points. However, the scoring system has evolved over the years, with the original rules dating back to 1873 dictating that men's singles and doubles games were played to 15 points, ladies' singles to 11 points, and a single game to determine a match was played to 21 points. In 2006, the Badminton World Federation endorsed a new scoring system, where a match consists of the best of three games, each played to 21 points. This system allows for a quicker game and has improved the sport's broadcasting appeal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of points to win | 21 points |
| Minimum points difference to win | 2 points |
| Maximum points to play to | 30 points |
| Number of games to win a match | Best of three games |
| Break after 11 points | 1 minute |
| Break between games | 2 minutes |
| Scoring method | Rally point system |
| Service rules | Underarm and below waist height |
| Shuttlecock height | Below 1.15 metres |
| Number of officials in singles matches | Six |
| Number of officials in doubles matches | Eight |
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What You'll Learn

Typically, 21 points win
Typically, a badminton match is played as the best of three games, with 21 points needed to win each game. The player or team must also win by a margin of at least two points. So, if the game is tied at 20-20, the winner is the first player or team to gain a two-point lead. If the score reaches 29-29, the next point wins the game.
The scoring system is the same whether you are playing singles or doubles. The player or team winning a rally adds a point to their score. After each point is won, players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point. In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. They will serve from the left when they have an odd number of points. In doubles, the server starts on the right-hand side and keeps serving, while alternating sides with their partner, as long as they keep winning. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve.
The rules of badminton have evolved over time. The original scoring system dates back to 1873. In the traditional system, a match or 'rubber' is decided by the best of three games, with 15 points needed to win a men's singles or doubles game, and 11 points for a women's singles game. In this system, a single game can also determine a match or rubber, in which case the game is played to 21 points. In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (BWF) decided to experiment with a different scoring system to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport. Since 2006, international competitions have used the 3 x 21 rally point system, where players can score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. This system has made the game faster-paced, especially when watching tournaments.
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But if it's 29-29, the next point wins
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport that is played both recreationally and competitively. The aim is to score points by hitting the shuttlecock over the net into your opponent's court, ensuring they cannot return it. The scoring system in badminton has evolved over the years, with the current system in place since 2006. This system, known as the rally point system, allows both players to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served.
In competitive adult matches, games are played as the best of three, with each game typically played to 21 points. It is important to note that a player must win by at least two points. For example, if the game is tied at 20-20, the winner is the first player to gain a two-point lead. This can lead to games extending beyond 21 points, with the winner being the first to reach 23, 24, or even 25 points.
However, there is an exception to this rule. If the score reaches 29-29, the game ends when one player scores the 30th point. This rule ensures that games do not continue indefinitely and provides a definitive conclusion.
The 2006 rule change also introduced breaks between games to provide players with rest and recovery time. In badminton, there is a 90-second break after the first game and a 5-minute break after the second game. These breaks are designed to help players maintain their focus and performance throughout the match.
In summary, while most badminton games are played to 21 points with a two-point margin of victory, the unique scenario of a 29-29 tie allows for the next point to determine the winner. This rule adds an exciting twist to the game, showcasing the sport's dynamic nature and its ability to adapt to different scoring scenarios.
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Matches are best of three games
Badminton matches are played as the best of three games. Each game is played to 21 points, and a player must win by at least two points. If the game reaches 20-20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead or the score reaches 30-29, in which case the player who scores the 30th point wins. After 11 points, there is a 1-minute break, and between games, there is a 2-minute break.
The first service is usually determined by the equivalent of a coin toss. Typically, the shuttlecock is dropped on top of the net, and the server is appointed by the direction it points to when it falls. The server must hit the shuttlecock underarm and below the waist height. The whole of the shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit. The racquet shaft must be pointing downwards, and the shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce.
The server will start from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. A player serves from the left every time they have an odd number of points. Each player will retain serving for as long as they keep winning points. In doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving while alternating sides with their teammate as long as they keep winning points. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve.
Players score a point each time they win a rally. A fault occurs when the shuttlecock lands outside the boundaries, fails to go over the net, or when a player touches the net with their body or racquet. A fault results in a point for the opponent.
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Points are won by winning a rally
The aim of badminton is for players to score points by successfully hitting the shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent's court, ensuring that the opponent cannot return it. Points are won by winning a rally.
In 2006, the rules were changed to a rally point system, allowing both players to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. In competitive adult matches, all games are played as the best of three games. To win a game, a player must reach 21 points. However, if the game is tied at 20-20, players must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the player or team to score the 30th point wins the game.
During a point, a player can return the shuttlecock from inside or outside the court. A player must not touch the net with any part of their body or racquet, and a player is not allowed to hit the shuttlecock twice. If a player commits a fault, their opponent earns a point.
The service changes after each point. In singles, the server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even number of points. A player serves from the left every time they have an odd number of points. In doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and keep serving, while alternating sides with their teammate, as long as they keep winning points.
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You must win by at least two points
To win a badminton match, a player or team must typically win a best-of-three series of games, with each game played to 21 points. However, if the game reaches a score of 20-20, the game will continue until one player or team achieves a two-point lead or the score reaches 30-29, at which point the first player or team to score the 30th point wins.
The two-point rule was introduced to ensure that matches do not become overly drawn-out and to prevent the stronger player or team from simply winning by outlasting their opponent. This rule also adds an exciting element to the game, as it encourages players to take risks in their shot-making and strategy to gain those crucial two points.
The two-point rule is part of the rally point system, which was introduced in 2006 and allows both players or teams to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. This system has simplified the scoring process and made badminton matches faster-paced and more dynamic, which has improved the sport's appeal to broadcasters and spectators.
It is worth noting that the scoring system in badminton has evolved over time. The original scoring system, which dates back to 1873, consisted of a best-of-three series of games, with each game played to 15 points for men's singles and doubles and 11 points for ladies' singles. In the case of a single game determining the match, it would be played to 21 points. This traditional system lacked a two-point rule and allowed for matches to be much longer, which could impact the commercial viability of the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to score 21 points to win a badminton game.
Yes, you must win by at least 2 points.
If the game is tied at 20-20, the game will continue until one player has a two-point lead or when the score reaches 30-29.
A badminton match consists of the best of three games.
In ladies' singles, a game is played to 11 points.










































