Rules
Padel scoring: advantage, golden point, and sets
Direct answer
Padel scoring looks like tennis: 15, 30, 40, game. At deuce, the event either plays advantage (win by two points) or a golden point — one deciding ball, with the receiving pair choosing the side. Sets are normally first to six games by two, and 6-6 is a tie-break to seven.
Friendly games can survive on “we’ll just play advantage.” The moment you enter a league or watch professional padel, you need to know which deuce rule is in force. Agree it before the first serve.
This summarises scoring options in the FIP Rules of Padel. Officials apply the rulebook and the event’s regulations.
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Inside a game
The first point won is 15, the second 30, the third 40, the fourth game — unless both pairs have won three points. Then it is deuce.
Advantage (classic): the next point is advantage. You must win two points in a row from deuce to take the game. If you lose the advantage point, it returns to deuce.
Golden point (no-ad): one point decides the game. The receiving pair chooses whether to take the serve on the right or the left and must stay in those positions. In mixed doubles, the player receiving that point is the same sex as the server.
FIP also describes other deciding-point variants used in some formats. Recreational groups should pick one rule and stick to it for the match.
Sets and matches
A set is first to six games with a margin of two. At 5–5 you play on; 7–5 can end the set. At 6–6 the standard is a tie-break: first to seven points, win by two. Points in the tie-break are called 0, 1, 2, and so on. Serve order is special: one serve, then two, and so on, starting from the right.
Matches are normally best of three sets. Some events specify a different third-set rule (for example, no tie-break, play until a two-game margin). That will be on the event sheet.
Why golden point changes the match
One ball at deuce is a different pressure from a long advantage chain. Receivers who choose the side are picking a pattern — often the weaker return, or a body serve. If your hands disappear under pressure, that is a training problem. Practise returns and first volleys at 40–40, not only in 0–0 games.
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