How is a Muay Thai round scored?
B · Beginner · Scoring and results · 3 of 5A punch, kick, knee or elbow scores when it lands with force on target, unblocked. Each judge gives the round winner 10 and the loser 9, 8 or 7 by the margin of scoring strikes: up to 7 more is 10-9, 8 to 14 is 10-8 and 15 to 21 is 10-7. Equal strikes go to the more forceful athlete.
How it works
- Scoring strike: punch, kick, knee or elbow, with force and intent.
- Target: anywhere but the groin and the back of the neck.
- No score: strikes on gloves, forearms, shins or feet, unless they unbalance.
- No score: throws without striking, weak strikes and foul strikes.
- Small margin: up to 7 strikes; 10-9.
- Large margin: 8 to 14; 10-8.
- Total domination: 15 to 21; 10-7.
- Even round: 10-10.
The glossary has the Muaythai skill, the scoring target, the ten-point must system, the margins (Muay Thai), the judges (Muay Thai) and the warning (Muay Thai).
Tricky cases
A high kick is blocked but knocks the opponent off balance. Does it score?
Yes. A blocked strike scores if it has enough force to affect the opponent.
An athlete sweeps the opponent to the floor without striking. Score?
No. Throws without striking do not score.
The referee gives a warning. Does the athlete lose a point?
Only from judges who agree with it.
Can a judge penalise a foul the referee missed?
Yes, marking a "J" against the athlete.
Why the rule exists
Counting clean strikes rewards technique over brawling. Margins let a dominant round count for more than a close one.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Round-by-round scoring | Judges score each round | 29.2 |
| Strike-by-strike scoring | Each strike entered live | 29.4 |
| Semi contact | Light contact, not force | 29.2.1, 29.2.2 |
From the rule book
IFMA, Rules & Regulations for International Competition, version 3.057, rules 29.1 to 29.2.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IFMA Rules & Regulations, version 3.057.