Padel scoring guide

Golden Point vs Advantage vs Star Point: Padel scoring explained.

Ever been playing padel when the score reaches 40-40, only for someone to ask, "Are we playing Golden Point or Advantage?"

Both are common ways to settle a game at deuce. And as of 2026, there's a third option: Star Point. Here's how each system works and which one you should use.

What Is Deuce in Padel?

Padel follows the familiar tennis scoring system:

Love → 15 → 30 → 40 → Game

When both teams reach 40-40, the score is called deuce.

What happens next depends on which scoring format you're using.

Golden Point (Sudden Death)

Golden Point is the simplest system.

At 40-40, the next point decides the game. There's no advantage and no second chance.

For example:

Team A and Team B reach 40-40.
The receiving team chooses which side to receive from.
Team A wins the next point.
Team A wins the game.

Best for: Casual matches, shorter sessions and players who prefer a faster game.

Advantage Scoring (Traditional Deuce)

Advantage scoring requires a team to win two consecutive points after deuce.

For example:

Both teams reach 40-40.
Team A wins a point: Advantage Team A.
Team B wins the next point: Back to deuce.
Team B wins again: Advantage Team B.
Team B wins the following point: Game Team B.

The game can continue returning to deuce indefinitely.

Best for: Players who prefer traditional scoring and want games decided by a two-point margin.

Star Point (Introduced in 2026)

Star Point combines elements of Advantage scoring and Golden Point.

Instead of allowing unlimited returns to deuce, players can go through two advantage cycles. If the score reaches deuce for a third time, the next point decides the game.

This limits how long a game can continue without immediately ending it at the first deuce.

The International Padel Federation introduced Star Point for the 2026 season, including Premier Padel and the CUPRA FIP Tour.

Best for: Matches that want some traditional advantage play without potentially lengthy deuce battles.

Which Padel Scoring Format Should You Choose?

Format	At 40-40	Game length
Golden Point	One deciding point	Shorter
Advantage	Win two consecutive points	Potentially longer
Star Point	Up to two advantages, then deciding point	Capped

For recreational padel, Golden Point is a straightforward choice when court time is limited.

If you prefer traditional tennis-style scoring, Advantage is a good alternative.

For organised competitions, always check the tournament's specific rules before starting.

Source:International Padel Federation - Introducing Star Point