Short answer
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) approved the 3x15 format on 25 April 2026. From 4 January 2027 games go to 15 points instead of 21, won by two, and at 20-20 the 21st point decides.
Badminton is played to 21 points today. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has decided that from January 2027 a shorter format takes over. This is what changes and what stays.
What changes
The current 3x21 format (best of three games, each to 21) is replaced by 3x15. A match is still best of three games, but each game goes to 15 points.
- A game goes to 15 points, won by two.
- At 20-20 the 21st point decides.
- In the third game you change ends at 8 points instead of the current 11.
The current rules (to 21, cap at 30) apply until 3 January 2027.
| Until now (3x21) | From 4 Jan 2027 (3x15) | |
|---|---|---|
| Game goes to | 21 | 15 |
| Margin | 2 points | 2 points |
| Last point decides | 30th point at 29-29 | 21st point at 20-20 |
| Changing ends in game 3 | at 11 | at 8 |
Who approved it and when
BWF members voted on the change at the 87th Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, on 25 April 2026. A two-thirds majority was needed and the proposal passed clearly: according to press reports, the vote was 198 in favour and 43 against.
The new system takes effect on 4 January 2027 at BWF international events. Some national federations start earlier.
Why it took so long
A change to the scoring system has come up at BWF more than once. An earlier proposal for a 5x11 format failed: it was voted down at the General Meeting in 2018, and in 2021 it again missed the required two-thirds majority. The 3x15 format keeps the match at best of three games and only shortens each game.
What it means for you
The change applies to the official BWF rules from 4 January 2027. For a detailed look at how badminton is scored today, see our article on the rules of badminton. Every rally counting as a point will also be familiar from squash.
Frequently asked questions
When does badminton switch to 3x15?
On 4 January 2027. Until 3 January 2027 the current system to 21 points applies.
How does a game to 15 work?
A game goes to 15 points, won by two. At 20-20 the 21st point decides, and a match is best of three games.
How did the vote on 3x15 go?
At the 87th BWF AGM on 25 April 2026 the vote was 198 to 43, according to press reports. A two-thirds majority was needed.
Does changing ends change too?
Yes. In the third game you will change ends at 8 points instead of the current 11.
DOTTA keeps score for you and calls it out loud
Win the rally, click the remote on your racket. The app tracks points, games and ends, and announces the score to the whole court.