In general, the BWF (Badminton World Federation) has introduced 3 main types of badminton scoring systems in the past. It started with the traditional scoring system, ie: a match consisting of the best of 3 games, each game consisting of 15 points, except ladies, which consisted of 11 points per game.

In 2002, the BWF, concerned with the unpredictable and often lengthy time required for matches, decided to experiment with a different scoring system to improve the commercial and especially broadcast appeal of the sport. The new scoring system shortened the games to 7 points and decided the matches to the best of 5 games.

In 2005, the BWF experimented with the scoring system again, with the intention of both regulating playing time and simplifying the system for viewers. A match consists of the best of 3 games, each game consisting of 21 points. The experiment ended in May 2006 and the BWF has adopted this new scoring system from August 2006 until now.

The following are the details of the new scoring system and the traditional scoring system:

New scoring system (21 point system)

1. A match consists of the best of 3 games, each game consists of 21 points.

2. The side that wins a rally adds one point to its score. (regardless of which side he was serving on)

3. At 20 all-in (ie 20-20), the side that gets a 2-point lead first wins that game.

4. With 29 total, the team that scores the 30th point first wins that game.

5. The side that wins a game will serve first in the next game.

6. When one side reaches 11 points, both players will have a 60 second break.

7. For doubles matches, only one serve is allowed.

8. The player in the right court will serve when even. (for example: 0,2,4,6,8,10)

9. The left court player will serve when there is an odd point. (for example: 1,3,5,7,9,11)

10. The other old rules (15 point system) remain the same.

Traditional scoring system (15 point system)

1. A match consists of the best of 3 games, each game consists of 15 points.

Except individual checkers which consists of 11 points each game.

2. Only one point will be added to their score whoever has won the play and with a serve.

If he loses the rally, the serve will be transferred to the opponent and both win no points.

3. The opponent must now win the rally to earn a point. If he does, he will earn a point and continue to hold the serve and will win another if he wins the rally again. If you lose the rally, the serve will be transferred to the opposite side again without any points being added to either side and this continues.

4. At 14 total, the side not holding serve can decide whether to play an additional 3 points.

(for single ladies it would be 10 all)

5. The player in the right court will serve when even. (for example: 0,2,4,6,8,10)

6. The player in left court will serve when there is an odd point. (for example: 1,3,5,7,9,11)

7. 2 services are allowed for the doubles game (men’s doubles, women’s doubles or mixed doubles)

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