How to Keep Score in Badminton (3×15): A Simple Guide

How do you keep score in badminton under 3×15? Call the score out loud before every serve — the serving side's score first, then the receiver's — play first to 15, change ends when a side reaches 8, win by two from 14–14, and start each new game at 0–0.

Announce the score the right way

The server's score is always said first, so "8–6" means the serving side has 8 and the receiver 6. If it is level, say "8-all". At the start it is "love-all, play".

A simple running tally

• Award the point to the rally winner — every rally (rally scoring).
• At 8, change ends and take the 60-second interval.
• Reach 15 with a two-point lead to win the game; from 14–14 play on until a side leads by two, up to the 21 cap.
• Win two games to win the match; change ends before a deciding third game (and again at 8 within it).

Keeping score without the arguments

Social games live or die on an agreed score. A shared scoreboard everyone can see settles it — and if you record your matches you get rankings for free. Badminton 360 keeps the score, applies the 3×15 rules and updates your Elo after every game. New to the format? Start with the 3×15 overview.

Frequently asked questions

Whose score do you say first?

The serving side's score, then the receiver's.

When do you change ends?

At 8 in each game, and before a deciding third game.

Sources: BWF — key changes under 3×15.

Part 5 of our weekly 3×15 series. Next: serving rules in detail. Follow the Badminton 360 blog.