Badminton is scored using a rally scoring system where the player or pair that wins a rally earns a point, aiming to win the best of three games, each typically played to 21 points. This system ensures continuous action and keeps the game dynamic.
Understanding Badminton's Rally Scoring System
Unlike older scoring methods where points could only be scored on your own serve, badminton adopted a rally scoring system to make matches more engaging and predictable in length. With rally scoring, a point is awarded to the player or pair who wins the rally, regardless of who served.
A standard badminton match consists of the best of three games. To win a match, a player or pair must win two out of the three games.
Key Scoring Rules
Understanding the specific rules for scoring points, winning a game, and ultimately winning a match is crucial for both players and spectators.
Winning a Point
- Rally Winner: The player or pair that wins a rally adds one point to their score. A rally is won when the opponent commits a fault (e.g., hits the shuttlecock out of bounds, into the net, or commits a service fault) or fails to return the shuttlecock legally.
Winning a Game
- Target Score: The first player or pair to reach 21 points wins the game, but with a critical condition: they must have a lead of at least two points.
- Deuce (20-all): If the score reaches 20-all (a tie at 20 points), the game continues. The player or pair that first gains a 2-point lead wins that game. For example, a score of 22-20, 23-21, or 25-23 would decide the game.
- Cap (29-all): To prevent games from going on indefinitely, there's a strict cap. If the score reaches 29-all, the side scoring the 30th point wins that game. This is often referred to as a "golden point."
Here's a quick summary of game-winning scenarios:
| Scenario | Rule | Example Winning Scores |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Game | First to 21 points, with a 2-point lead | 21-15, 21-19 |
| Deuce (20-all) | Must win by 2 points | 22-20, 23-21 |
| Cap (29-all) | The side scoring the 30th point wins (no 2-point lead needed) | 30-29 |
Winning a Match
- To win a match, a player or pair must secure victory in two out of the three games. If a player/pair wins the first two games, the third game is not played.
Practical Aspects of Scoring
- Continuous Play: Points are continuously awarded, making every rally critical.
- Service Impact: While the server usually alternates, a point is scored on every rally regardless of who served, meaning the serve can change hands frequently.
- Intervals: A short 60-second interval is allowed when the leading score reaches 11 points in a game. There is also a 2-minute interval between games.
Why This Scoring System?
The rally scoring system was officially adopted by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to standardize game length, making matches more appealing for television broadcasts and improving the overall spectator experience. It creates more intense rallies and ensures a clear winner for every point contested.
Official Rules and Resources
For the comprehensive and official rules of badminton, you can always refer to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) website.
