How many points is a badminton game played to?

A standard professional badminton game is played to 21 points under the rally point system.

What happens at 20-20?

If the score reaches 20–20, play continues until one side leads by 2 points. The game is capped at 30 points—if it reaches 29–29, the next point (30) wins.

How does serving work in singles and doubles?

In singles, the server serves from the right if their score is even and left if odd. In doubles, service courts follow the same even/odd rule and the serving pair keeps serving as long as they win rallies; partners switch service positions only after winning a point while serving.

How many games are in a match?

Matches are typically best of three games; the first player or pair to win two games wins the match.

Professional Badminton Scoring Rules

Introduction

Badminton is a fast, tactical sport where every rally counts. Understanding the official scoring rules used in professional tournaments will help players, coaches, and officials avoid disputes and improve in-match decision-making.

The Basics of Badminton Scoring

🏸 Rally Point System

Every rally awards a point to one side, regardless of who served. Matches are usually best of three games, and each game is played to 21 points.

🏆 Winning Conditions

A player or pair must lead by 2 points to win. If the score is 20–20, the game continues until a 2-point lead is reached, up to a maximum of 30 points (next point at 29–29 wins).

Service & Court Rules (Singles vs Doubles)

👤 Singles Service Rules

Server serves from the right service court when their score is even, and from the left when odd.
Only the server can score a point for their side; under the rally point system, however, every rally awards a point to one side.
Players switch service courts after winning a point on their own serve.

👥 Doubles Service Rules

Service rotation depends on the serving pair's score: even → right, odd → left.
The serving side continues to serve while they win rallies; partners rotate only when a point is won on serve.
Proper partner positioning and communication are essential — partners do not rotate on every rally; only on service side wins.

Key Scoring Scenarios

⚖️ Deuce (20–20)

Play continues until a 2-point lead or until 30 points (29–29 → next point wins).

🎯 Match Point

When one player/pair is one point away from winning the required game(s).

🏆 Best of Three

Matches are typically played as best-of-three games (first to win two games).

Example: If the score reaches 20–20, and then becomes 24–23, play continues until either a 2-point lead (26–24), or until 30 (e.g., 30–29).

Pro Tips for Players & Coaches

📢 Announce Scores Clearly

Always state the server's score first (e.g., "15–10").

🔄 Practice Service Rotation

Doubles teams should rehearse rotation to avoid confusion under pressure.

🎯 Focus on Consistency

Rally-point scoring punishes unforced errors — prioritize low-error rallies.

💪 Manage Stamina

With potential long deuces, physical conditioning is crucial in tournament play.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points is a professional badminton game?: A standard professional game is played to 21 points under the rally point system.
What happens at 20–20?: Play continues until a 2-point lead is achieved, except at 29–29 where the next point wins (30–29).
How does serving change in doubles?: Serving side follows even/odd court rules; the serving pair retains service while winning rallies and players switch positions only when they win a service point.

Conclusion

Understanding the BWF scoring rules gives players and officials confidence during competitive play. The rally point system keeps matches fast and consistent — mastering service rotation, deuce scenarios, and match strategy is essential at the professional level.

Professional Badminton Scoring Rules Explained