Game Rules
Basic Rules of Badminton
Scoring System
The first side to 21 points wins a game. All matches are the best-of-three games
A point is scored on every serve and awarded to whichever side wins the rally. The winning side gets the next serve
If the score is 20-20, a side must win by two clear points to win the game. If it reaches 29-29, the first to get their 30th point wins
Serving
The shuttlecock must be hit below waist height, with players serving diagonally into their opponent's service box. Players must remain stationary until the serve is made
The server's feet can not be touching the line during the serving time
It is not a fault if the server misses the shuttlecock while serving
The server must wait until the opponent is ready before serving. Once the opponent attempts a return, the rally is starting
The server starts from the right service court and will serve from that side every time they have an even amount of points. A player serves from the left every time they have an odd amount of points
In doubles, the server will alternate sides with the teammate, as long as they keep winning points
Each player will retain serve for as long as they keep winning points
If the receiving side takes the point, they assume serve. Going forward, the player who did not initially serve for each team will only assume the service once their side has won a point as the receiving side
A serve must pass the short service line, which is the first horizontal line from the net
In singles, a serve must land within the center line and the singles' sideline and long service line
In doubles, a serve must land within the center line and the doubles' sideline and long service line
Return Serve
In singles, except the area of the doubles sidelines, the rest of the court is included
In doubles, the whole court is included
Players must wait for the shuttlecock to cross the net before returning a serve
Singles Return Area: Light-green area
Doubles Return Area: Whole court
Winning a Point
A point is won if the shuttlecock hits the ground in the opponent's side, including the lines
Losing a point if the shuttlecock hits the net or passes through/under it, or if the player strikes the shuttlecock twice with their racket, or the player touches the net with their body or racket