About

Scoring System

Padel uses the same scoring format as tennis — with one popular variation.

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PointsGamesSets & TiebreaksGolden PointMatch Formats
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Points

Points follow the tennis sequence:

Points WonScore Called
0Love (0)
115
230
340
4 (if ahead by 2)Game

The server's score is always called first. So "30-15" means the serving team has 30 and the receiving team has 15.

Games

When both teams reach 40, it's called deuce. From deuce, a team must win two consecutive points to win the game:

  • Advantage — one team wins the point at deuce, giving them "advantage"
  • If the team with advantage wins the next point, they win the game
  • If the other team wins the next point, it goes back to deuce
Golden point rule: Many tournaments and clubs use "golden point" at deuce. Instead of advantage, one sudden-death point decides the game. The receiving team chooses which side to receive on. This speeds up matches and adds drama.

Sets & Tiebreaks

The first team to win 6 games wins the set, provided they lead by at least 2 games.

  • 6-4, 6-3, 6-0 — all valid set scores
  • At 6-5, the leading team needs one more game to win 7-5
  • At 6-6, a tiebreak is played

Tiebreak Rules

Points are counted 1, 2, 3, 4... (not 15, 30, 40). First team to 7 points wins, with a 2-point lead required. Players change ends every 6 points. Service alternates every 2 points after the first point.

Golden Point

Golden point (also called "punto de oro") has become standard in professional padel and most club play:

  • At deuce (40-40), one single point decides the game
  • The receiving team chooses which side (deuce or advantage) to receive on
  • No advantage is played — it's sudden death

This rule was introduced to reduce match times and increase excitement. It gives the receiving team a strategic choice: play to their stronger side, or try to disrupt the server's rhythm.

Match Formats

FormatWhen Used
Best of 3 setsStandard competitive matches, tournaments
Best of 3 sets + super tiebreakThird set replaced by a 10-point tiebreak to save time
Single set to 9 gamesSome club social formats
Timed matches (60 or 90 min)Club bookings when courts are on a schedule

At most NZ clubs, casual games are played within the booked court time (usually 60 or 90 minutes). If you're in a competitive league or tournament, best of 3 sets is standard.