Rules of the Game

A badminton match is played as the best of three games. Each game is played to 21 points, with a point awarded after every rally under the rally-point scoring system.

At 20–20, play continues until one side leads by two points. However, the score is capped at 30 points: at 29–29, the next point wins the game.

— Always serve diagonally into the opposite service court.

— When your score is even, serve from the right service court; when it is odd, serve from the left.

— The 1.15 m rule: The entire shuttlecock must be below 1.15 m above the floor when your racket makes contact with it. No tennis-style overhead serves!

— Lifting a foot during the serve: both the server and receiver must keep part of each foot in contact with the floor and remain stationary from the start of the serve until it is delivered (BWF Law 9.1.4).

— Touching the net with your racket or body during a rally.

— Hitting the shuttlecock twice in succession.

— Reaching over the net to hit the shuttlecock on your opponent’s side. Your racket may follow through over the net, provided you make initial contact on your own side.

Want to explore the rules in more detail? Visit the BWF website for the full Laws of Badminton.