Section 6: Scoring
Match Format (Law 8)
The scoring system is governed by Law 8 of the BWF Laws of Badminton. The following rules apply to all BWF-sanctioned competition:
8.1 Rally Point Scoring
A point is scored on every rally. The side winning a rally (as defined by the opposing side committing a fault or the shuttle landing in bounds on the opposing court) shall add a point to its score and shall serve in the next rally (Law 8.1).
8.2 Game and Match Structure
- A match shall consist of the best of 3 games (Law 8.2).
- The side first scoring 21 points wins a game (Law 8.3).
8.3 Deuce and Setting
- If the score reaches 20-all, the side which gains a 2-point lead first shall win that game (Law 8.3.1).
- If the score reaches 29-all, the side scoring the 30th point shall win that game (Law 8.3.2).
- There is no "setting" or extension beyond 30 points.
8.4 Ends and Service in Each Game
- The side winning a game shall serve first in the next game (Law 8.4).
- In the third game only, when one side first scores 11 points, players shall change ends (Law 8.4). At this point, a 60-second interval is also granted (Law 16.4).
- Players change ends at the start of each new game (Law 8.4).
8.5 Calling the Score
The umpire shall call the score in the following manner: the server's score is called first, followed by the receiver's score. For example, if the server has 15 points and the receiver has 12 points, the umpire calls "15-12." At the start of a game, the umpire calls "Love all, play" (0–0). If the score is 20-20, the umpire calls "20-all." If the score reaches 29-29, the umpire calls "29-all; next point wins."
Winning the Match
A player/pair wins the match by winning two games. There is no requirement to win by a set margin of games; the first side to win two games wins the match. A retirement by the opposing side, or disqualification of the opposing side by the referee, also results in a match victory.