Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a racquet sport that involves players hitting a shuttlecock back and forth over a net. Matches are typically played as the best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. If the game reaches 29 points for both players, the first player to score the 30th point wins. If the game is tied at 20 points, players must play until one player achieves a two-point advantage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring System | Rally Point System |
| Number of Games | Best of 3 |
| Points per Game | 21 |
| Points to Win | 2 Clear Points |
| Upper Limit | 30 |
| Rest Periods | 90 seconds after the first game, 5 minutes after the second game |
| Serving Style | Underarm, below waist height |
| Shuttlecock Height | Below 1.15 metres |
| Second Serve | Not allowed |
| Hitting the Shuttlecock | Once |
| Distracting Opponent | Not allowed |
| Touching the Net | Not allowed |
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What You'll Learn
Matches are played to the best of three games
Badminton matches are typically played to the best of three games. This means that a player or pair must win two games to win the match. Each game is played to 21 points, and a player must win by two clear points. For example, a winning score could be 22-20 or 25-23, but not 21-20 or 24-23. If the game reaches 29-29, the player or team that scores the 30th point wins. This rule prevents matches from becoming excessively long, which could tire players and increase the risk of injury.
The scoring system in badminton has evolved over time. In 2006, the rules changed to a rally point system, allowing both players to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. This system replaced the previous one, where only the serving player or pair could score a point. The current system adds excitement and unpredictability to the game, as either player can score a point at any time.
In a badminton match, players change ends at the start of the second game. If the match goes to a third game, they change ends again at the beginning and when the leading player or pair reaches 11 points. This ensures that neither player has a consistent advantage due to court positioning.
The service rules in badminton are essential to understand. The server's score determines their serving position. When the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court, and when it's odd, they serve from the left. The receiver's position is also dictated by the server's score, always standing in the diagonally opposite service box.
Badminton matches can be exciting and unpredictable due to the best-of-three-games format and the rally point system. Players must adapt their strategies and maintain their focus throughout the match to secure the required two-game wins to emerge victorious.
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Each game is played to 21 points
Badminton is a racquet sport that involves players using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. The sport can be played with larger teams, but the most common forms are singles (one player per side) and doubles (two players per side). A badminton match is typically played as a best-of-three-games format, with each game played to a maximum of 21 points.
The current scoring system in badminton, also known as the rally point system, allows both players or teams to score points during a rally, regardless of who served. This means that a player or team can earn a point even if they did not serve in that particular rally. This is in contrast to traditional scoring systems, where only the serving side could win a point.
In a badminton game, a point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court. Conversely, if a player hits the shuttlecock and it lands outside the court or hits the net, they will lose the point. The server and receiver must stand in diagonally opposite service courts at the start of the rally, and a legal serve must be hit diagonally over the net and underarm, below the server's waist height.
If the game reaches a deciding third game, players change ends at the start of that game and again when the leading player or pair reaches 11 points. In the event of a tie at 29 points each, the side that scores the 30th point wins the game. This is often referred to as the "golden point."
There have been discussions and controversies about the scoring system in badminton. Some argue that the current 21-point system is too long, making badminton matches less attractive to spectators and sponsors compared to longer sports like tennis. There are suggestions for alternative scoring systems, such as a 15x3 or 11x5 format, but no consensus has been reached, and the traditional 21x3 format remains in place for competitive adult matches.
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Points are scored when the shuttlecock lands in the opponent's court
In badminton, points are scored by successfully landing the shuttlecock in the opponent's court. The rules dictate that a player or pair must win two games of 21 points each to win the match. Each side may only strike the shuttlecock once before it passes over the net, and the rally ends once the shuttlecock touches the floor.
The game always starts with a serve from the right, or even, service court. The server must hit the shuttlecock underarm and below the waist, with the racquet shaft pointing downwards. The shuttlecock must be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court when struck. After a point is won, the players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point. The players do not change their service courts unless their side is serving when they win a point.
If the game reaches 20 points each, the game continues until one player or pair gains a two-point lead. If the game goes to 29-29, then the player or pair that scores the 30th point wins the game. This rule is in place to prevent games from going on too long and causing fatigue or injury to players.
In 2006, the scoring system changed to a rally point system, allowing both players or pairs to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served. This system differs from tennis, where the serve is dominant, and a break of service is a major event in a match.
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If the score is 29-all, the 30th point wins
In badminton, matches are typically played as the best of three games, with each individual game played to 21 points. If the game reaches a score of 20-20, however, the game continues until one player gains a two-point advantage. This means that the winning score could be 22-20, 25-23, and so on. The only exception to this rule is when the score reaches 29-29. In this case, the game ends as soon as one player or team reaches 30 points. This is known as the "golden point".
The 30-point limit is a relatively recent rule, implemented to prevent games from becoming too protracted, especially at the highest levels of competition. Excessively long games can increase the risk of injury to athletes, so the "golden point" rule acts as a safeguard for players' health and safety.
The scoring rules in badminton are slightly different for doubles matches. In doubles, the serving pair decides who will serve first, and the receiving pair decides who will receive. The players' positions are determined by the server's score. If the server's score is even, they serve from the right service court, and if it is odd, they serve from the left court. The receiver always stands in the service box diagonally opposite the server.
The badminton scoring system was changed in 2006 to a rally point system, allowing both players or teams to score a point during a rally, regardless of who is serving. This system encourages fast-paced and dynamic gameplay, with the potential for frequent score changes.
In summary, while most badminton games are played to 21 points, the unique "golden point" rule comes into effect when the score reaches 29-all, with the 30th point deciding the winner. This rule ensures that games remain concise and exciting while also prioritising the well-being of the athletes.
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The BWF is considering changing to a 15x3 scoring system
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the governing body of badminton that decides the rules and scoring systems for the sport. Currently, badminton matches are played in a best-of-three-game format, with each game offering 21 points. This scoring system, known as the rally point system, was introduced in 2006, allowing both players to score a point during a rally, regardless of who served.
However, the BWF has been experimenting with different scoring systems over the years, with the aim of attracting new audiences and making the matches shorter. As a result, in April 2025, the BWF announced that it would trial a new 15x3 scoring system in selected competitions for at least six months.
The 15x3 scoring system refers to a match format where each game is played to 15 points instead of 21. The matches will still be played in a best-of-three-game format. This system is already part of the Alternative Laws of Badminton and has been endorsed by the BWF Council, the decision-making body of the BWF.
The main reason for introducing the 15x3 scoring system is to make the matches shorter and more exciting, especially for new viewers from the younger population. Shorter games will also help with scheduling and addressing growing injury concerns. Additionally, with fewer points per game, each point is expected to be more exciting and crucial in deciding the outcome of the match.
The 15x3 scoring system is not a new concept in badminton. In the past, matches were played using this scoring system, with men's singles, doubles, and all doubles matches played to 15 points, while women's singles used an 11-point system. However, only the serving player could score a point under the old rules.
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Frequently asked questions
Games are played to 21 points.
If the game is tied at 20-20, players must play until one player or team achieves a two-point advantage.
Yes, if the score reaches 29-29, the first player or team to score the 30th point wins the game.
