
Badminton is a racquet sport with various scoring systems that have been used throughout its history. The current scoring system is arranged in matches, which are divided into three games, with each game played to 21 points. If both sides reach 20 points, the side that scores two points in a row wins. If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score 30 points wins. This system is known as the 3 x 21 rally point system and has been endorsed by the Badminton World Federation since 2006.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of games in a match | 3 |
| Points to win a game | 21 |
| Points difference needed to win a game | 2 |
| Maximum points in a game | 30 |
| Scoring | A point is scored every time a player wins a rally |
| Scoring in doubles | Each pair wins points instead of individuals |
| Service courts | Two – one on the right and one on the left |
| Serving | Serving is done from the right court if the player's score is even and from the left court if the score is odd |
| Service transfer | If the server loses a rally, the service is transferred to the opponent |
| Scoring announcement | The score is announced before each serve, starting with the server's score |
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What You'll Learn
- A match is divided into halves, with each half scoring 21 points
- The first to 21 points wins, but there must be a 2-point lead
- If both sides reach 20 points, the side that gets 2 points in a row wins
- When both sides reach 29 points, the first to 30 points wins?
- The winner of a rally scores a point, regardless of who served

A match is divided into halves, with each half scoring 21 points
Badminton matches are typically divided into three games, with each game further divided into halves, and each half won by the first side to reach 21 points. The side that wins two games first wins the match.
If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side has a two-point lead, for example, 22-20 or 25-23. There is no time limit in badminton, so the length of a match will depend on the scores of both sides.
If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score 30 points wins the game. The game is capped at 30 points to prevent it from dragging on for too long, especially at the top level of play, where long games can put athletes at risk of injury.
The scoring system is the same for singles and doubles games. In doubles, instead of each person winning points, each pair wins points.
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The first to 21 points wins, but there must be a 2-point lead
In badminton, a match is typically played as the best of three games. Each game is played until one side reaches 21 points. However, merely reaching 21 points first is not sufficient to win the game. The winning side must also have a lead of at least two points. For example, a score of 21-20 would not be enough to win, whereas 22-20 would be.
If the score reaches 29-29, then the game enters a 'golden point' rule, where the first side to reach 30 points wins, regardless of whether they have a two-point lead. This rule is in place to prevent games from dragging on for too long, especially at the top level of play, where long games can put athletes at risk of injury.
The scoring system in badminton has evolved over the years. The traditional scoring system allowed for a single game to determine a match, with games played to 21 points. In men's singles and doubles matches, games were played to 15 points, and in ladies' singles, games were played to 11 points. The current scoring system was adopted in 2006 by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport by regulating playing time and simplifying the system for viewers.
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If both sides reach 20 points, the side that gets 2 points in a row wins
The scoring system in badminton has been changed several times over the years. The current scoring system, adopted in 2006, uses a 3 x 21 rally point system, with an upper limit of 30 points. This means that a badminton match is usually divided into three games, with each game decided by 21 points. If both sides reach 20 points, the game continues until one side achieves a two-point lead. So, if the score becomes 29-29, the first side to reach 30 points wins.
However, if the score reaches 20-20, the rules state that the side that then scores two points in a row wins. This is because, at 20-20, 21 points is no longer enough to win the game. For example, a score of 22-20 would be a winning score, but 21-20 would not be sufficient. This rule ensures that there is a clear winner and that the game does not end in a draw.
It is important to note that, in badminton, there is no time limit to matches. The length of a match depends on the scores of both teams and the difference in their skill levels. The scoring system in badminton also differs depending on whether it is a singles or doubles match, with each player or pair taking turns to serve and receiving points. The server's score is always stated first, and they serve from the right court if their score is even and from the left court if their score is odd.
The rules regarding scoring in badminton, including the requirement for two consecutive points after a 20-20 score, are designed to create a competitive and fair environment for players, ensuring that matches are exciting and unpredictable.
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When both sides reach 29 points, the first to 30 points wins
Badminton matches are typically played as a best-of-three series, with each game lasting until a player or team reaches 21 points. However, if the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side achieves a two-point lead, such as 22-20 or 25-23. There is no time limit in badminton, and the duration of a match depends on the skill level of the players and the closeness of the scores.
The scoring system in badminton has evolved over the years, with the current standard being the 3 x 21 rally point system endorsed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) since 2006. In this system, players or teams score a point regardless of who served in the rally, and games are played until one side reaches 21 points with a minimum two-point lead.
While most badminton games end when one side reaches 21 points, there is a provision for cases where both sides reach 29 points. In such rare instances, the first side to score 30 points is declared the winner. This rule ensures that games do not drag on indefinitely and helps prevent athlete fatigue and injury.
It is important for players to keep track of the score to avoid disputes. Announcing the score before each serve is a good practice, and players should remember to always state their score first, followed by their opponent's score. Additionally, the server's score determines which service court they use, with even scores corresponding to the right court and odd scores to the left court.
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The winner of a rally scores a point, regardless of who served
The scoring system in badminton has evolved over the years, with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) adopting a new system in 2006 to improve the sport's commercial and broadcasting appeal. This new system includes a significant rule: the winner of a rally scores a point, regardless of who served.
This rule, known as the rally point scoring system, ensures that each time a player or team wins a rally, they earn a point, regardless of whether they served or received the shuttlecock. This is a departure from the traditional scoring system, where serving and winning a rally were often linked. The new system encourages faster-paced and more dynamic gameplay, as players can score points more frequently and are not limited by their serving ability.
In a badminton match, this rule is applied consistently throughout the game. Each time a player or team wins a rally, they are awarded a point, and the serve then passes to them for the next rally. This continues until one player or team reaches the required number of points to win the game, which is typically 21 points in the current scoring system.
It's important to note that the winner-of-the-rally-scores-a-point rule applies regardless of the game format, whether it's singles or doubles. In doubles, the pair wins the point together, and the serving pair chooses who will serve first. The team that reaches 21 points first wins the game, but if the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one team achieves a two-point lead, ensuring a clear victory.
The rally point scoring system has been well-received and is now an integral part of badminton, providing a more exciting and viewer-friendly experience without sacrificing the strategic depth and skill that the sport demands.
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