Based on the FIP Rules of Padel 2026, checked 1 November 2026Independent guide, not affiliated with the FIP
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Padel rules / Rule 1

Rule 1Scoring

Points, games, sets, and the three ways a game can end at 40-40.

Rule 2 →
Points a to iPlain-English notes marked In practice
  1. a
    A game is counted 15, 30, 40, game. The server's score is called first.
    Same as tennis. Love means zero.
  2. b
    At 40-40 the game is decided by the system the organiser has chosen: Advantage, Star Point or Golden Point.
    There is no default. Agree on it before the first serve, and ask at tournaments.
  3. c
    Advantage: after deuce a pair must win two points in a row. Win one and you have advantage, lose the next and it is deuce again.
    No limit. A game can run as long as it takes.
  4. d
    Star Point: advantage is played twice. If the score returns to deuce a third time, a single deciding point is played. The receivers choose the side to receive on and may not swap positions. In mixed doubles the player of the same sex as the server receives.
    Used on the Premier Padel and FIP tours from 2026. Deuce 1, advantage 1, deuce 2, advantage 2, deuce 3, Star Point.
  5. e
    Golden Point: no advantage. At 40-40 one point decides the game. Receivers choose the side without changing positions. The same mixed doubles rule applies.
    Common in clubs and leagues that want shorter matches.
  6. f
    A set is won by the first pair to six games with a lead of two. At 5-5 play continues to 7-5. At 6-6 a tie-break is played.
  7. g
    A match is the best of three sets. The organiser may decide that a deciding third set is played without a tie-break, so it must be won by two games.
  8. h
    Tie-break: points are counted 1, 2, 3. The first pair to seven points with a two-point lead wins the set 7-6. The player due to serve serves the first point from the right, then each pair serves two points in turn. Ends are changed every six points.
    In the next set, the first server is the player from the other pair who did not open the tie-break.
  9. i
    Alternative formats: a mini-set to four games with a tie-break at 4-4; a match tie-break to seven or a super tie-break to ten in place of a third set.
    You will meet the super tie-break in most amateur tournaments.

Questions

Is golden point an official padel rule?

Yes. It is one of three options for 40-40 in the 2026 FIP rules, next to Advantage and Star Point. The organiser chooses.

What is the Star Point?

A deciding point played if a game returns to deuce a third time, after two advantages have been played. Premier Padel and FIP events use it from 2026.

Do clubs have to use Star Point?

No. It is optional. Clubs and leagues may keep Advantage or Golden Point.