Points
A game is won by the first pair to win four points with at least a two-point lead. The points have their own names:
| Points won | Called |
|---|---|
| 0 | Love |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 30 |
| 3 | 40 |
| 4 | Game |
The server's score is called first. So 30–15 means the serving pair has two points and the receivers one.
Deuce and advantage
At 40–40 the score is deuce. With the classic advantage rule, a pair must win two points in a row from deuce:
- Win the next point and you have advantage.
- Win the point after that and you win the game.
- Lose it and you are back to deuce.
Advantage games can go on for a long time. That is why many clubs and tournaments use the golden point or the Star point.
Golden point
With the golden point there is no advantage. At 40–40, one single deciding point wins the game. The receiving pair chooses which player receives that point, from the right or the left side.
The golden point keeps matches shorter and puts real pressure on one rally. It is widely used in leagues and on professional tours.
Star point (FIP 2026)
The Star point is the deuce rule introduced by the International Padel Federation (FIP) for 2026. It sits between advantage and golden point:
- At the first deuce, play advantage as usual.
- If it comes back to deuce, play advantage a second time.
- If it comes back to deuce a third time, one star point decides the game, like a golden point.
So a game has at most two advantages before one point settles it. Check with your club or tournament which deuce rule they use.
Games and sets
A standard set is won by the first pair to win 6 games with a two-game lead, for example 6–4 or 7–5. Shorter sets of 4 games and longer ones of 9 are common in social play and leagues.
Most matches are best of 3 sets. One-set matches suit short court bookings, and best of 5 is sometimes played in finals.
Tie-break
At 6–6 in a set, a tie-break decides it. Points are counted 1, 2, 3 and so on. The first pair to reach 7 points with a two-point lead wins the tie-break and the set, 7–6.
The player due to serve serves the first point. After that, each player serves two points in a row, in the usual order. Pairs change ends every six points.
Super tie-break
Many leagues replace the deciding set with a super tie-break, also called a match tie-break. It works like a tie-break, but the winner is the first pair to reach 10 points with a two-point lead. It is usually written in brackets: 6–4, 3–6, [10–8].
Serve and sides
The serve changes pair after every game, and the four players take turns in a fixed order. Each game starts with a serve from the right side. After every point the server moves to the other side: right, left, right, left.
On a golden point or a star point, the receiving pair picks who receives, so the side can change.
Let your watch count. PadelWin keeps the score on your Apple Watch with one tap per point, free. It supports Advantage, Golden point and Star point (FIP 2026), 1 set, best of 3 or best of 5, 4, 6 or 9 games per set, tie-break at 6–6 and super tie-break to 10. It shows who serves and from which side, with ⇄ on deciding points.
This guide explains common padel scoring for recreational play. Official rules vary by federation and tournament. PadelWin is not affiliated with the International Padel Federation (FIP).