How many points win a game of badminton?
B · Beginner · How do you score and win? · 2 of 8A game is won by the first side to 21 points. At 20-all, a side must lead by two to win; at 29-all, the 30th point wins. From 4 January 2027 the BWF Laws change: games are to 15 points, with a two-point lead needed from 14-all and the 21st point winning at 20-all.
How it works
| Until 3 January 2027 | From 4 January 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Game won at | 21 points | 15 points |
| Two-point lead needed from | 20-all | 14-all |
| Cap: next point wins at | 29-all (30th point) | 20-all (21st point) |
| Mid-game interval when the leader reaches | 11 | 8 |
| Change of ends in the third game at | 11 | 8 |
- The side that wins a game serves first in the next one.
Tricky cases
What happens at 20-20?
Play goes on until one side leads by two, such as 22-20. If it reaches 29-all, the next point wins 30-29.
Is badminton changing to 15 points?
Yes. The BWF adopted the 15-point game on 25 April 2026, in force from 4 January 2027. Matches stay best of three games.
Is there a deuce or advantage call, as in tennis?
No. The score is called as numbers. A side needs a two-point lead from 20-all.
Why the rule exists
The two-point lead makes a close game end on a clear margin, and the cap stops it running on without end.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| BWF Laws v5.0, until 3 January 2027 | 21 points | L7.2, 7.4, 7.5 |
| BWF Laws v6.0, from 4 January 2027 | 15 points | L7.2, 7.4, 7.5 (v6.0) |
| Other formats by arrangement | The Laws allow other scoring "unless otherwise arranged" under BWF statutes | L7.1 |
From the rule book
BWF Laws of Badminton, Law 7, version 5.0 (in force from 26 April 2025) and version 6.0 (in force from 4 January 2027). Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: BWF Laws of Badminton (PDF).