Short answer
The star point is a new way to decide a padel game after deuce. From the first deuce you play at most two advantages, and if neither is converted, one final point decides. FIP approved it on 28 November 2025 and it has been played since 2026.
Since the 2026 season padel has a new option for games that reach deuce. It is called the star point, and the International Padel Federation (FIP) announced it on 18 December 2025. Below you will find how it works, who approved it and where you will see it.
How the star point works
FIP describes the star point as "an alternative option for games that reach deuce". It kicks in at the first deuce (40-40) and has three stages:
- First advantage: if the pair with the advantage wins the point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score goes back to 40-40.
- Second advantage: if the pair with the advantage wins the point, they win the game. If they lose it, the star point follows.
- Star point: one deciding point. Whoever wins it wins the game.
According to FIP, the system caps the number of points a single game can last and prevents long runs of advantages.
In the FIP rules the calls at the star point are "deuce 1", "advantage 1", "deuce 2", "advantage 2" and "deuce 3". The receiving pair picks the side for the deciding point, and once they have chosen, they may not swap positions.
Who approved it and when
The FIP General Assembly approved the star point unanimously on 28 November 2025. FIP had 100 national federations at the time. The decision followed consultations during the 2025 season with players, coaches, organisers, TV broadcasters and commercial partners, and detailed talks with the Premier Padel governing bodies.
Where it is played
Since 2026 the star point has been used on these circuits:
- Premier Padel,
- CUPRA FIP Tour,
- FIP Promises,
- the amateur FIP Beyond.
The very first tournament with the star point was FIP Bronze Melbourne, the opening stop of the CUPRA FIP Tour, played 5–11 January 2026. On the Premier Padel circuit it debuted at Riyadh P1, 9–14 February 2026.
How it differs from the golden point and classic advantage
- Classic advantage: from deuce you need two points in a row, and a game can drag on through many rallies.
- Golden point: at 40-40 you play one deciding point straight away.
- Star point: it allows two advantages but caps the length of the game. The longest it can go is first deuce, first advantage, second deuce, second advantage and third deuce, where a single point decides.
All three variants are part of the 2026 FIP rules. For how padel is scored overall, see our article on the rules of padel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the star point in padel?
A way to decide a game after deuce. At most two advantages are played, then one deciding point.
When did the star point start?
It was first used at FIP Bronze Melbourne in January 2026. On the Premier Padel circuit it debuted in February 2026 at Riyadh P1.
Is the star point the same as the golden point?
No. The golden point decides the game right at the first deuce. With the star point you first play at most two advantages, and only then one deciding point.
Who picks the side at the star point?
The receiving pair. Under the FIP rules they may not swap positions once they have chosen the side.
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.