Rule 1: scoring

Source: FIP rulebook, revision 01.01.2026.

How does scoring work in padel?

There are three official scoring methods. The most common in competition is Method 1 (with advantage).

Method 1: With advantage (traditional system)

1. Points progress as 15 → 30 → 40 → game. If both pairs reach 40, “deuce” is called. The next point is called “advantage” and if the same pair wins again the game is awarded; if they lose it, the score returns to “deuce”. Two consecutive points are needed to win the game.

2. The first pair to win 6 games, always with a margin of at least 2, takes the set.

   • At 5-all, two more games are played (up to 7-5)
   • At 6-all, the tie-break applies

3. Matches are played to the best of three sets (2 sets must be won to win the match).

4. If the sets are level at one apiece and it has been agreed beforehand, the third set may be played without a tie-break (the winner is whoever gains a 2-game margin).

Method 2: Star Point

1. As Method 1 up to deuce. The sequence is: deuce 1 → advantage 1 → deuce 2 → advantage 2 → deuce 3 → a deciding point called the Star Point is played.

2. The receiving pair chooses whether to receive the serve from the right or the left side. The members of the receiving pair may not change position to receive this deciding point.

3. In mixed play, the player of the same sex as the server shall receive the deciding point.

Method 3: Golden point (no advantage)

1. Scoring: love → 15 → 30 → 40 → game. If both pairs reach 40, “deuce” is called and a single deciding point called the golden point is played.

2. The receiving pair chooses the side of reception. They may not change position.

3. In mixed play, the player of the same sex as the server shall receive the deciding point.

Sudden death or tie-break

The tie-break applies at 6 games all in the set.

1. During the tie-break, points are called “love”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and so on.
2. The winner is the first to reach 7 points with a margin of 2. If necessary, play continues until that margin is achieved.
3. Play starts with the player whose turn it is according to the set order serving from the right side (a single point). Thereafter points are played two at a time starting from the left side, and so on.
4. The winner of the tie-break takes the set 7-6.
5. In the following set, a player from the pair that did not begin the tie-break serves first.

Alternative scoring methods

Mini set (sets to four games)

The pair that wins 4 games wins the set, always with a 2-game margin. At 4-all a tie-break is played.

Deciding match tie-break (7 points)

At one set all, it replaces the final set. The winner is whoever reaches 7 points with a minimum margin of 2.

Deciding match super tie-break (10 points)

At one set all, it replaces the final set. The winner is whoever reaches 10 points with a minimum margin of 2.