BWF Approves 3×15 Scoring, Starting January 4, 2027
Badminton is moving to games of 15 points. What changes under BWF's 3×15 system - deuce at 14-all, a 21-point cap, intervals at 8 - and what it means for casual players.
At its Annual General Meeting on April 25, 2026, BWF members voted to adopt the 3×15 scoring system. It takes effect on January 4, 2027. Until then, best of three games to 21 remains the standard.
What changes
| Current (until Jan 3, 2027) | 3×15 (from Jan 4, 2027) | |
|---|---|---|
| Points to win a game | 21 | 15 |
| Win by two from | 20–20 | 14–14 |
| Cap | 30 (at 29-all, next point wins) | 21 (at 20-all, next point wins) |
| Mid-game interval | when a side reaches 11 | when a side reaches 8 |
| Change ends in game 3 | at 11 | at 8 |
Matches are still best of three games with rally scoring. The interval between games doesn't change.
Do recreational players have to switch?
No. In casual play, just agree on 21 or 15 before you start. If you're entering a tournament, especially one held in 2027 or later, check which format the organizers use.
Tip: Kèo's scorekeeper already lets you pick games to 21, 15 or 11.
For serving sides, deuce and worked examples, see our guide on how to score badminton.