Badminton uses rally scoring, which means every rally wins a point no matter who served. A match is the best of three games. Under the current rules, a game is played to 21 points, you must win by two, and at 29-29 the next point wins, so the highest possible score is 30-29. From January 2027, the Badminton World Federation’s standard format changes to games of 15 points, won by two, with the next point winning at 20-20. The side that wins a rally serves next, and the server’s score decides whether they serve from the right or left court: right when their score is even, left when it is odd.
This guide explains both scoring formats, how service courts and serving order work in singles and doubles, how to call the score, intervals and changing ends, a worked example, and common scoring mistakes.
Scoring formats compared
| Rule | Current format (21 points) | From 2027 (15 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Points to win a game | 21 | 15 |
| Win by | 2 points | 2 points |
| Cap | At 29-29, next point wins (max 30-29) | At 20-20, next point wins (max 21-20) |
| Games in a match | Best of three | Best of three |
| Mid-game interval | 60 seconds when the leader reaches 11 | Break when the leader reaches 8 |
| Interval between games | Up to 2 minutes | Short interval between games |
Serving and service courts
The side that wins a rally scores a point and serves next. In singles, the server serves from the right service court when their own score is even (0, 2, 4 and so on) and from the left service court when it is odd. The receiver stands in the diagonally opposite court. The serve must be hit below the waist, with the shaft of the racket pointing downward at contact, and must land in the correct diagonal service court.
Doubles scoring and serving
Doubles uses the same point system but has specific rules for who serves. Each side has only one serve at a time. When the serving side wins a rally, the same player serves again, switching service courts. When the receiving side wins a rally, they gain the serve, and the player in the correct court for their new score serves. Players only change service courts when their side wins a point while serving. The receiving pair do not change courts after losing a rally. In doubles, the service court is short and wide: the long service line for doubles is closer to the net than in singles, and the side lines are the outer lines.
How to call the score
Before each serve, the server’s score is called first, followed by the receiver’s. For example, if the serving side has 5 and the receivers have 3, the call is “5-3.” In officiated matches, the umpire makes the call. In casual games, the server should call the score clearly so both sides agree.
Changing ends
Players change ends after the first game, after the second game if a third is needed, and in the third game when the leading side reaches 11 points under the current format. This balances any advantage from lighting, drafts or background.
Worked example
- Player A serves from the right court at 0-0 and wins the rally: score 1-0, A serves from the left.
- A loses the next rally: score 1-1, Player B now serves, and since B’s score is odd, B serves from the left.
- B wins the rally: score 2-1 in B’s favour, B serves from the right.
- Play continues until one player reaches 21 with a two-point lead, or 30 at the cap.
Common scoring mistakes
- Serving from the wrong court: remember even score right, odd score left.
- Calling the receiver’s score first: always call the server’s score first.
- Switching courts in doubles when receiving: only the serving side switches after winning a point.
- Forgetting the two-point rule: a game at 21-20 is not over.
- Missing the change of ends in game three: switch when the leader reaches 11.
Scoring formats can differ at club, school and national level, and the change to 15-point games applies to competitions that adopt the BWF’s updated laws. Check the BWF Laws of Badminton and your league or tournament rules for the format in use.
Scoring differences in doubles vs singles
| Aspect | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Serving court | Long and narrow | Short and wide |
| Who serves | The player who wins the rally | The pair that wins the rally, with the correct player based on score |
| Changing service courts | Based on the server’s score | Only when the serving side wins a point |
| Points system | Same rally scoring | Same rally scoring |
Tips for keeping score in casual games
- Call the score loudly before every serve, server’s score first.
- Use the even-right, odd-left rule to check you are in the correct court.
- If you lose track, retrace the last few rallies together.
- Keep a small scoreboard or app if playing long matches.
Why the scoring change matters
Shorter games under the 15-point format are designed to make matches faster and more intense, with every point carrying more weight. Players may need to adjust by starting games more aggressively, since there is less time to recover from a slow start. Coaches and players should check which format their competitions use and practise with it.
Intervals and breaks explained
Under the current format, players get a short interval of up to 60 seconds when the leading side reaches 11 points in each game, and up to two minutes between games. During intervals, coaches can give advice from the side of the court, and players can towel off, drink water and rethink their tactics. Using these breaks well can shift momentum, especially in a tight deciding game.
Common scoring situations
- 20-20: play continues until a side leads by two, up to a maximum of 30.
- 29-29: the next point wins the game.
- One game each: a third game decides the match.
- Service fault: the rally is lost and the opponent scores a point and serves next.
Scorekeeping in tournaments
In officiated tournaments, an umpire calls the score and a scoreboard or tablet usually displays it. Line judges and service judges may also be present. In club tournaments without umpires, players call the score themselves, and some events provide flip scoreboards on each court to reduce disputes.
Frequently asked questions
How many points is a badminton game?
Currently 21 points, win by two, capped at 30. From 2027, the BWF standard changes to 15 points, capped at 21.
Do you have to serve to score in badminton?
No. Badminton uses rally scoring, so every rally wins a point regardless of who served.
Which side do you serve from in badminton?
From the right court when your score is even and the left court when it is odd.
