
Badminton is usually played as a best-of-three-games match, with each game played up to 21 points. In the event of a 20-20 tie, the winner must lead by two clear points. A player wins a rally when they strike the shuttlecock, and it touches the floor of the opponent's side of the court, or when their opponent commits a fault.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sets to win a match | Best of 3 games |
| Number of points to win a set | 21 points |
| Points difference to win the set | 2 points |
| Cap on points | 30 points |
| Golden point rule | Applicable at 29-29 |
| Setting rule | Applicable at 19 and 20 points |
| Scoring system | 3 x 15 (setting to 21) |
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What You'll Learn
- Scoring system: win a match by winning two games out of three
- Rally: win a point when the shuttlecock touches the opponent's court
- Serve: must pass the short service line, serve from the right on even scores
- Doubles: pairs win points, receivers stand diagonally opposite
- Change of ends: after the first game, and in the third game at 11 points

Scoring system: win a match by winning two games out of three
The scoring system in badminton is typically structured as a best-of-three-games format, where the winner of a match is determined by their success in winning two out of the three games. This format applies to both casual and competitive badminton matches.
In each game, players aim to score points by winning rallies. The winner of a rally earns the right to serve in the next rally, and points are accumulated until a player reaches 21 points. However, winning a game requires more than just reaching 21 points. To win a game, a player or team must achieve a lead of at least two points. For example, a score of 21-20 would not be sufficient to win the game, as the winning condition of a two-point lead has not been met.
If the score reaches 29-29, the game concludes with a "golden point." In this scenario, the first player or team to score the 30th point wins the game. This rule ensures that the game reaches a definitive conclusion without continuing indefinitely.
It's worth noting that the scoring system in badminton has undergone changes over the years. In 2006, the International Badminton Federation (now known as the Badminton World Federation) adopted a new scoring system, transitioning from the traditional system. This new system, known as the rally point scoring system, allows either player or team to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. This change was implemented to address concerns about unpredictable and lengthy match durations, with the aim of improving the sport's commercial and broadcasting appeal.
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Rally: win a point when the shuttlecock touches the opponent's court
To win a badminton match, a player or pair must win two games out of three, with each game played to 21 points. In 2006, the rules were changed to a rally point system, where either player can score a point during a rally, regardless of who served.
A rally is won when a player successfully strikes the shuttlecock with their racquet and lands it within the opponent's half of the court. The shuttlecock must be hit underarm, with the racquet shaft pointing downwards, and it must land within the set boundaries. The shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce, and play ends once it has touched the floor or ground. After a point is won, players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point.
The server must hit the shuttlecock so that it lands in the receiver's service court. The whole shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when struck by the server's racquet. The server's position depends on their score: they serve from the right service court if their score is even and from the left service court if it is odd.
During a rally, players can move around the court, but the service courts remain the same. If the serving side wins a rally, the same player continues to serve but from the other service court. If the serving side loses the rally, the serve passes to their opponent.
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Serve: must pass the short service line, serve from the right on even scores
To win a badminton match, a player or pair must win two games out of three, with each game played to 21 points. In the case of a 20-20 tie, players must win by two clear points. If the score reaches 29-29, the first player to score the 30th point wins.
The rules of badminton dictate that a serve must pass the short service line and be hit underarm, with the racquet shaft pointing downwards, and below the server's waist height. The whole shuttlecock should be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when hit by the server. When the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court, and when it is odd, they serve from the left. This means that the server will alternate between the two service courts with each point won. For example, if the server has 10 points and their opponent has 15, the score is 10-15. If the server wins the next point, they will serve from the left court, and vice versa.
In singles, the server always stands in their right service court when their score is even and in their left court when their score is odd. In doubles, if the serving side wins a rally, the same player continues to serve, but they change service courts so that they serve to a different opponent each time. This means that the server and their partner will always have different service courts.
The rules do not allow second serves, and the shuttlecock is not allowed to bounce.
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Doubles: pairs win points, receivers stand diagonally opposite
In badminton, a match is typically played as the best of three games. To win a match, a player or pair must win two games. In each game, the first player or pair to reach 21 points wins, as long as they have a lead of at least two points. If the score reaches 29-29, the game continues until one side gains a two-point lead, with the first to reach 30 points declared the winner.
In doubles, the server will start on the right-hand side and continue serving as long as their team keeps winning points. The server and their partner will alternate sides with each point won. If the receiving side wins a point, they assume the serve, with the player who did not initially serve taking the next turn. The receiver's position is determined by the server's score and always stands diagonally opposite them. For example, if the server is in the right service court (also known as the even court), the receiver will be in the left service court (or odd court). The same rule applies if the server is in the left court; the receiver will stand in the right court.
The width of a standard badminton court is extended to 6.1m (20ft) for doubles matches. There is also a doubles service line 0.76m (2.5ft) in from the baseline. During the rally, players are allowed to move around, but the service courts remain fixed. When a side wins a rally, the server and their partner swap service courts, ensuring they always have different service courts. The receivers, however, do not change their service courts.
It is important to note that the right to serve alternates between sides after each game. Additionally, players must change ends at the conclusion of the first game and, if required, at the end of the second game. In the third game, the change of ends occurs when one side reaches a score of 11 points.
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Change of ends: after the first game, and in the third game at 11 points
In badminton, matches are typically played as the best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. To win, a player or pair must secure victory in two of these three games. Now, when it comes to changing ends, there are specific rules in place.
Firstly, players change ends after the first game. This is in line with the rule that players change ends at the end of the first set.
Moving on to the third game, players change ends twice. Firstly, they change ends at the beginning of the game, and then again when one player or pair reaches 11 points. This rule about changing ends at the 11-point mark is specific to the third game, adding an interesting dynamic to the match.
These rules about changing ends are part of the official laws of badminton and help to standardise match procedures. They ensure that players have equal opportunities and are not disadvantaged by, for instance, the direction or strength of lighting or wind (if playing outdoors).
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Frequently asked questions
A badminton match is the best of three games, so a player must win two games to win the match.
A player must score 21 points to win a game. However, if the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead.
A player wins a point when they strike the shuttlecock and it touches the floor of the opponent's side of the court, or when their opponent commits a fault.











































