Amanda Knapp
Badminton is a fast-paced racket sport played either as singles or doubles, with players aiming to hit a shuttlecock over a net and into their opponent's court. Since 2006, the scoring system used in international badminton competitions has been the 3 x 21 rally point system, as endorsed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This replaced the previous system, in which matches were decided by the best of three games, with each game played to 15 points in men's singles and doubles, and to 11 points in women's singles. The traditional scoring system also allowed for a single game to be played to 21 points. The BWF has experimented with different scoring systems over the years to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport, as well as to regulate playing time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring System | 3 x 21 rally point system |
| Scoring System Endorsed By | Badminton World Federation |
| First Service Determined By | Coin toss or shuttle drop |
| Shuttle Drop Process | Shuttle is dropped on top of the net and the direction in which it points when it falls determines the server |
| Scoring | A point is scored on every serve and awarded to the side that wins the rally |
| Winner | First side to reach 21 points wins the game |
| Winning Margin | If the score is 20-20, the game must be won by a margin of two points |
| Maximum Score | If the score reaches 29-29, the first side to get their 30th point wins |
| Server Position | If the server has an even number of points, they serve from the right service court; if they have an odd number of points, they serve from the left service court |
| Receiver Position | The receiver always stands diagonally opposite the server |
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What You'll Learn
Various scoring systems used in badminton history
Badminton has undergone several changes to its scoring system over the years, with different systems being used at various levels of play. The original scoring system dates back to as early as 1873. In this traditional system, a match or rubber is decided by the best of three games. Each game is played to 15 points in men's singles and any doubles games, while ladies' singles games are played to 11 points. This system also allows for a single game to determine a match, in which case the game is played to 21 points.
In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (later renamed the Badminton World Federation, or BWF) experimented with a new scoring system to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport. This system shortened games to seven points and decided matches by the best of five games. However, this experiment was abandoned due to similar playing times and replaced with a modified version of the traditional system.
In 2006, the BWF adopted a new scoring system, capping scores at 30 points and including a golden point rule at 29-29. This system aimed to address the unpredictable and lengthy match times that could occur under the previous systems.
In 2014, the BWF reviewed the scoring system again due to increasing match lengths. They trialled a system with five games of 11 points each, with no setting, in lower-level tournaments. Ultimately, the BWF endorsed a 3 x 15 (setting to 21) scoring system as the preferred replacement.
Today, the standard scoring system for international competition is the 3 x 21 rally point system, endorsed by the BWF. This system provides a point for every rally won, ensuring faster-paced and more dynamic gameplay.
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The 3x21 rally point system
Under the 3x21 system, a match is decided by the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. This is a change from the traditional system, where men's singles and doubles games were played to 15 points, and ladies' singles were played to 11 points. The 3x21 system also introduced rally point scoring, where a point is awarded to the winner of each rally, regardless of who served. This addressed an issue in the previous system, where players may not score after many exchanges as serving was often more difficult than defending, especially in professional badminton.
The 3x21 system also includes a "setting" or "golden point" rule. In a game to 21 points, if the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one player or team reaches 21 points, with no minimum point difference required. However, if the score reaches 29-29, the game enters a "golden point" situation, where the next point wins the game. This rule ensures that games have a definitive conclusion and do not continue indefinitely.
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Scoring systems for men's singles and doubles
The scoring system for men's singles and doubles in badminton has evolved over the years, with the aim of improving the sport's commercial and broadcasting appeal, as well as enhancing the viewing experience for spectators.
Original Scoring System
The original scoring system in badminton dates back to as early as 1873. In men's singles and doubles matches, each game was played to 15 points. The traditional system allowed for a single game to determine a match, in which case the game would be played to 21 points. The first service was typically decided by a coin toss, with the shuttle dropped on top of the net, and the server determined by the direction it pointed to upon landing.
Experimental Scoring Systems
In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (later known as the Badminton World Federation, or BWF) experimented with a new scoring system to address concerns about unpredictable and lengthy match times. This system shortened games to seven points and matches were decided by the best of five games. However, this experiment did not significantly reduce match times, so it was abandoned and replaced by a modified version of the traditional scoring system.
In 2005, the BWF conducted another experiment with the scoring system, aiming to regulate playing time and simplify the format for television viewers.
Current Scoring System
Since 2006, international badminton competitions have utilised the 3 x 21 rally point system, as endorsed by the BWF. In men's singles and doubles matches, each match consists of the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. A point is scored on every serve and awarded to the side that wins the rally, and the winning side gets to serve again. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until one side achieves a two-point lead, ensuring a clear win. In the rare case that the score reaches 29-29, the first side to score the 30th point wins.
The service position in men's singles alternates between the right and left service courts depending on the player's point score. If the player has an even number of points, they serve from the right court, and if they have an odd number, they serve from the left. In men's doubles, the serving pair chooses the first server, who starts from the right-hand side. The server continues serving and alternates sides with their partner as long as they keep winning points. If the opponents win a rally, the service passes to them, but the serve remains with the same player on their team until they lose a rally.
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Scoring systems for ladies' singles
The scoring system for ladies' singles in badminton has evolved over the years, with the aim of improving the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport. The original scoring system dates back to as early as 1873, where matches were decided by the best of three games, with ladies' singles played to 11 points.
In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (later renamed the Badminton World Federation or BWF) experimented with a new scoring system to address the unpredictable and lengthy nature of matches. This system shortened games to seven points and decided matches by the best of five games. However, this experiment was short-lived due to persistent match time issues.
In December 2005, the BWF made another attempt to regulate playing time and simplify the scoring system for viewers. They introduced the rally point scoring system, where the winner of a rally scores a point regardless of who served. This system extended games to 21 points and aligned the rules for ladies' and men's singles matches.
Since 2006, international badminton competitions have utilised the 3 x 21 rally point system, where each game is played to 21 points, and matches are decided by the best of three games. This system was endorsed by the BWF to standardise the scoring format.
Some badminton enthusiasts have expressed mixed opinions about the various scoring systems. While some prefer the faster pace and excitement of the newer systems, others find the 21-point format less attractive, particularly in singles matches, due to lower shuttle speeds and gameplay focused on tiring opponents rather than technique.
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Scoring systems for club badminton
Badminton has undergone several scoring system changes since its early days in 1873. The scoring system for badminton matches has been a topic of interest for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as they have experimented with different systems to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport.
The traditional scoring system, which is still used in club badminton, involves playing the best of three games, with each game played to 15 points for men's singles and doubles, and 11 points for ladies' singles. If a single game determines a match, it is played to 21 points. The first serve is determined by tossing the shuttlecock, and the winner of a rally scores a point, gaining the next serve.
Some badminton clubs have experimented with different scoring systems. One system involves playing to 15 points, but only the server can score, leading to longer games with fewer points. Another system tried in the UK involved 5 sets to 7 points, again with only the server able to score a point. This system was unpopular as it was considered less exciting to watch.
The 3x15 (setting to 21) scoring system has been endorsed by the BWF as the preferred replacement for the current scoring system. This system is already part of the Alternative Laws of Badminton and will be proposed at the BWF Annual General Meeting in April 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Since 2006, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has endorsed the 3 x 21 rally point system for international competitions. In this system, a match is decided by the best of three games, with each game played until a player reaches 21 points. If the game is tied at 20-20, a player must win by two clear points.
A point is scored when the shuttlecock lands inside the opponent's court. A player can also score a point during a rally, regardless of who served.
The first service is usually determined by a coin toss or by dropping the shuttle on top of the net, with the direction it points deciding the server. After a point is won, players move to the opposite serving stations for the next point. The server always serves from the right service court when their score is an even number, and from the left service court when it is an odd number.
Yes, various scoring systems have been used in badminton throughout its history. The original scoring system dates back to as early as 1873, with different variations being experimented with over the years. The scoring system was changed in 2006 to the current 3 x 21 rally point system to prevent matches from dragging on too long and to make the sport more appealing for broadcasting.
