Padel Scoring Rules, Including the New Star Point
Padel is scored like tennis: 15, 30, 40, game, sets to six games with a two-game lead, a tiebreak at 6–6, and usually best of three sets. The difference is at deuce (40–40), where the FIP rules offer three options. Advantage: win two points in a row, however long it takes. Golden point: one deciding point at the first deuce. Star Point (new in 2026): up to two advantages, and at the third deuce one deciding point. The organizer announces which one applies before the match.
Last reviewed: October 28, 2026.
Points, games and sets
Under FIP Rule 1 the points in a game are 15, 30, 40 and game. The first pair to win six games with a two-game lead wins the set: at 5–5 the set continues to 7–5, and at 6–6 a tiebreak decides it 7–6. A match is best of three sets. If agreed in advance, the third set may be played without a tiebreak, as an advantage set.
Advantage, golden point or Star Point
| Advantage (Option 1) | Star Point (Option 2) | Golden point (Option 3) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At the first deuce | Play for advantage | Play for “advantage 1” | One deciding point |
| Advantages allowed | Unlimited | Two | None |
| Deciding point | Never | At the third deuce | At the first deuce |
| Who chooses the receiving side | — | The receiving pair | The receiving pair |
| Most points a game can last | No limit | 11 | 7 |
| Typical use | Traditional scoring | Premier Padel, CUPRA FIP Tour, FIP Promises, FIP Beyond (2026) | Clubs, social and timed play |
One game, three rules
Here is the same sequence of points after 40–40, scored under each option. Pair A wins the first point after deuce, then the points alternate: B, B, A, A, B.
| Point won by | Advantage | Star Point | Golden point |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Advantage A | Advantage 1 to A | Game A |
| B | Deuce | Deuce 2 | — |
| B | Advantage B | Advantage 2 to B | — |
| A | Deuce | Deuce 3: Star Point next | — |
| A | Advantage A | Game A (wins the Star Point) | — |
| B | Deuce (the game goes on) | — | — |
The Star Point in detail
The FIP General Assembly of 100 national federations approved the Star Point unanimously on 28 November 2025, after testing and consultation during the 2025 season. From 2026 it is used on Premier Padel, the CUPRA FIP Tour, FIP Promises and the amateur FIP Beyond circuit. The FIP scheduled its first use for FIP Bronze Melbourne (5–11 January 2026) and, on Premier Padel, the Riyadh P1 (9–14 February 2026).
The calls are “deuce 1”, “advantage 1”, “deuce 2”, “advantage 2” and “deuce 3”. At deuce 3 the receiving pair chooses whether to receive on the right or the left, the receivers cannot swap positions, and in mixed matches the player of the same sex as the server receives. Whoever wins that point wins the game.
Clubs and amateur leagues choose their own scoring. Star Point is the FIP standard on the circuits above; many clubs still play golden point. Always agree it before the first serve.
The golden point
With the golden point (FIP Option 3, also called “no advantage”) a single point is played at the first deuce. The receiving pair chooses the side, cannot swap positions for that point, and in mixed matches the player of the same sex as the server receives. It is the same idea as No-Ad scoring in tennis.
The padel tiebreak
At 6–6 a tiebreak is played: points are counted 0, 1, 2, 3, and the first pair to seven points with a two-point lead wins the set 7–6. The player due to serve takes one point from the right; the opponents serve the next two points, starting from the left; then each player serves two in a row in the set's order. Players change ends every six points. The next set is started by the player of the pair that did not begin serving in the tiebreak.
Short formats: mini sets and super tiebreaks
- Mini set: first to four games with a two-game lead, tiebreak at 4–4.
- 7-point match tiebreak: at one set all, a tiebreak to 7 by two replaces the third set.
- 10-point super tiebreak: at one set all, a tiebreak to 10 by two replaces the third set.
Padel scoring in the Racketlovers app
New padel matches in the app use the Star Point by default, and you can switch to golden point or advantage when you set up the match. Fast4 padel and the No-Ad formats always use the golden point. Formats include best of three, two sets plus a 10-point match tiebreak, one set, short sets, timed matches and Fast4 padel.
Padel matches in the app are doubles. Players enter the games at each changeover, the other pair confirms them, and friends follow live in the free app from the link you share.
No app on court? Keep score for free with the padel scoreboard: Star Point, golden point and advantage in your browser.
Best of 3 sets · Star Point
0-0. Player 1 to serve.
Start of a set: each team may choose which partner serves first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Star Point in padel?
The FIP's 2026 deuce rule. Up to two advantages are played; if the score returns to deuce a third time, one deciding Star Point wins the game, with the receivers choosing the side.
Is the golden point the same as No-Ad?
Yes, in effect. Both play a single deciding point at the first deuce, with the receivers choosing the side.
Is the Star Point used in amateur padel?
It is used on the FIP's amateur FIP Beyond circuit. Clubs and local leagues set their own rules, and many still play golden point or advantage.
Who chooses the side on the golden point or Star Point?
The receiving pair. They cannot swap positions for that point, and in mixed matches the player of the same sex as the server receives.
How long can a padel game last with the Star Point?
At most 11 points: six to reach deuce, then up to two advantage cycles, then the Star Point. With the golden point the maximum is seven.
How does a padel tiebreak work?
First to seven points with a two-point lead. The first server serves one point from the right, then each side serves two points in turn, and players change ends every six points.
Is padel scored the same as tennis?
Almost. Points, games, sets and tiebreaks are the same. The deuce options (golden point and Star Point) and some time limits differ.