Padel Scoring Rules: Complete 2026 Guide
Star Point (FIP 2026), Golden Point, Advantage – every padel scoring rule explained simply
Understanding padel scoring is essential for players, tournament organizers, and spectators alike. While padel uses the same basic scoring system as tennis (15, 30, 40, game), there are important differences – especially when it comes to deuce rules. In 2026, the FIP introduced the Star Point system as the new official deuce rule, replacing the traditional Advantage format. This guide explains every padel scoring rule you need to know, from basic game scoring to the latest FIP regulations.
How Does Padel Scoring Work?
A padel match consists of sets, games, and points. Points within a game follow the tennis sequence: 0, 15, 30, 40, then game. The first pair to win 6 games wins the set, with a mandatory 2-game lead. If the set reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played.
Standard matches are best of 3 sets. The pair that wins 2 sets wins the match. In many amateur tournaments, the third set is replaced by a super tiebreak (first to 10 points, win by 2) to save time.
What Is the Star Point Rule? (FIP 2026)
The Star Point is the newest deuce rule in padel, officially adopted by the International Padel Federation (FIP) starting January 2026. It's mandatory in all FIP-sanctioned events including Premier Padel.
Here's how it works: at the first and second deuce (40-40) in a game, the traditional advantage rule applies — you need two consecutive points to win. But if the game reaches a third deuce, a single decisive 'Star Point' is played. The receiving pair chooses which side to receive from. This balances tradition with faster resolution — most games still play out normally, but prolonged deuce battles are avoided.
Golden Point vs Advantage: Which to Use
Golden Point (Sudden Death)
At 40-40, the next point wins the game immediately. The receiving pair chooses the side. This is the fastest deuce resolution and is extremely popular in amateur and social tournaments because it keeps matches short and exciting. No advantage, no extended deuce rallies.
Advantage (Traditional)
The classic tennis/padel rule: at deuce, you must win two consecutive points. First point gives you advantage; if you win the next, you win the game. If the opponent scores, it's back to deuce. This can theoretically go on forever, which is why many tournament organizers avoid it.
Star Point (FIP 2026 Hybrid)
The best of both worlds: advantage rules apply for the first two deuces, but the third deuce becomes a sudden-death Star Point. This preserves the competitive depth of advantage play while guaranteeing games can't drag on indefinitely. Recommended for competitive club tournaments.
Tiebreaks and Super Tiebreaks
When a set reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played: first to 7 points, must win by 2. Serves alternate every 2 points (the first server serves 1 point, then players alternate every 2). Pairs change sides every 6 points.
A super tiebreak replaces the third set in many amateur events: first to 10 points, must win by 2, with the same serve and side-change rules. This is a popular option in LiveCup — select 'Super Tiebreak' as your match format when creating a tournament.
How to Configure Scoring in LiveCup
When creating a padel tournament in LiveCup, you choose your scoring configuration in the settings step:
- Match format: Best of 3 Sets (standard), Super Tiebreak (3rd set replaced), or Golden Set (single set to 7)
- Deuce mode: Star Point (FIP 2026), Golden Point, or Advantage — applied automatically to every game
- Point-by-point tracking: enable to enter each point from your phone, with the app tracking games, sets, and match state
- Live TV display: professional broadcast-style scoreboard shows set scores, game score, serve indicator, and tiebreak status
- Automatic tiebreak handling: at 6-6 the app switches to tiebreak scoring, at set 3 it uses super tiebreak if configured
Which Scoring Mode Is Right for Your Event?
Social/club padel night → Golden Point
Maximum speed, minimum confusion. Games resolve quickly, keeping rotations fast. Best for groups with mixed skill levels where fun matters more than competitive depth.
Competitive club tournament → Star Point
The official FIP 2026 standard. Advantage applies for the first two deuces, then a decisive point. Good balance between competitive integrity and time management.
Professional/ranking events → Star Point or Advantage
For events that feed into official rankings, use Star Point (FIP-compliant) or traditional Advantage. Star Point is now the default in all sanctioned professional padel.
Time-limited events → Golden Point + Super Tiebreak
If your venue has court time limits, combining Golden Point with Super Tiebreak (instead of a full third set) ensures matches finish within a predictable window.
Scoring in Americano and Mexicano
In Americano and Mexicano formats, the scoring is different: each match is played to a fixed number of points (16, 24, or 32) rather than using traditional game/set/match scoring. Both pairs accumulate points throughout the match, and every point counts toward individual standings. This makes these formats faster and more social than standard tournament scoring.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Padel Scoring
What is the Star Point rule in padel?
The Star Point is the FIP 2026 official deuce rule. At the first two deuces in a game, traditional advantage rules apply. At the third deuce, a single decisive 'Star Point' is played — whoever wins that point wins the game.
When did the FIP introduce the Star Point?
The International Padel Federation (FIP) introduced the Star Point rule starting January 2026, making it mandatory for all FIP-sanctioned events including Premier Padel.
What is Golden Point in padel?
Golden Point means that at 40-40 (deuce), the next point wins the game immediately. The receiving pair chooses which side to receive. It's the fastest deuce resolution and is popular in amateur tournaments.
What is the difference between Golden Point and Advantage?
With Golden Point, one point at deuce decides the game. With Advantage, you must win two consecutive points from deuce — advantage then game, or back to deuce if the opponent scores. Golden Point is faster; Advantage is more traditional.
How is a padel set scored?
First pair to 6 games wins the set, with a 2-game lead required. If the set reaches 6-6, a tiebreak is played (first to 7 points, win by 2).
What happens in a padel tiebreak?
A tiebreak at 6-6: first to 7 points, must win by 2. The first server serves 1 point, then serves alternate every 2 points. Pairs switch sides every 6 points. A super tiebreak (first to 10) replaces the 3rd set in some formats.
How do I choose which deuce rule for my tournament?
For social events use Golden Point (fastest). For competitive clubs use Star Point (FIP 2026 official). For traditional/ranking events use Advantage. LiveCup lets you select any mode when creating a tournament.
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