Padel uses the same scoring as tennis. The only big difference is 40-40, which can be settled in three ways: advantage, golden point or star point. The competition organiser decides which one is used. In a friendly game, you agree on it before you start.
How are points counted in a game?
The first point you win is 15, the second 30, the third 40, and the fourth wins the game. When you call the score, the server’s points come first.
| Points won | Score |
|---|---|
| 0 | 0 (love) |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 30 |
| 3 | 40 |
| 4 | game, if the other side has 30 or less |
For example, a score of 15-40 means the serving pair has one point and the receiving pair has three.
What happens at 40-40?
A score of 40-40 is called deuce, and the 2026 FIP rules allow three ways to play on from there.
Advantage
This is the traditional tennis method. Winning the point after deuce gives you the advantage. If the pair with the advantage also wins the next point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score is back to deuce. There is no limit on how many times that can happen.
Golden point
At 40-40, a single deciding point is played, and whoever wins it wins the game. The receiving pair chooses whether the player on the right or the player on the left receives. The players can’t swap positions to do this. In mixed doubles, the receiver must be the same sex as the server.
Star point
The star point is a compromise between advantage and the golden point. The FIP General Assembly approved it on 28 November 2025, and it has been in force since 1 January 2026. From 2026, Premier Padel and the CUPRA FIP Tour use it by default.
- After the first deuce, you play advantage.
- If the score goes back to deuce, you play advantage again.
- If the score reaches deuce for the third time, a single deciding point is played: the star point.
The same receiving rules apply as for the golden point. This way a game can’t drag on forever, but a pair still has two chances to win it on advantage.
| Method | Points after 40-40 | Where it’s used |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage | unlimited | traditional, many casual games |
| Golden point | 1 | many tournaments and leagues |
| Star point | up to 5 | Premier Padel and FIP tours from 2026 |
Clubs and amateur tournaments don’t have to use the star point. The organiser can choose any of the three.
How do you win a set?
The first pair to win six games with a lead of at least two games wins the set, for example 6-4. At 5-5, play continues until the score is 7-5 or 6-6. At 6-6, a tie-break is played, and the set then finishes 7-6.
How does a tie-break work?
- The first pair to reach seven points with a lead of at least two points wins the tie-break, for example 7-5 or 9-7.
- Points are counted simply: 1, 2, 3 and so on.
- The first server serves one point. After that, the pairs take turns to serve two points each.
- You change ends every six points.
What is a deciding tie-break to 10 points?
Instead of a third set, the organiser can use a deciding tie-break, also known as a super tie-break. It is played to ten points, again with a two-point margin. This makes matches shorter and keeps the schedule on track.
How many sets are played?
An official match is best of three sets, so the first pair to win two sets wins. Tournaments and leagues often use shorter formats. For example, under the 2026 competition rules of the Estonian Padel Federation (Eesti Padeli Liit, EPL), some stages are played as a single set to eight games, with a tie-break at 8-8.
In Americano and Mexicano, points are often counted instead of games. We explain these formats in our tournaments guide.
How do you call the score correctly?
- Within a game, the server calls the score before serving, with their own points first and the opponents’ second: “15-30”.
- The game score is also called with the serving pair’s games first: “4-3”.
- At 40-40, you say “deuce”.
If you lose track of the score, agree on the last score nobody disputes and carry on from there.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to use the golden point or star point in casual games?
No. Agree on it before the game. If your court time is short, the golden point keeps the game moving faster.
Does the star point replace the golden point?
No. All three methods are allowed under the rules, and the organiser chooses one of them.
Which player receives the deciding point?
The receiving pair chooses whether the player on the right or the player on the left receives. The players can’t swap positions to do this.
We cover deciding-point tactics in our tactics guide and the other rules in our rules overview.