Basic Badminton Rules

For as long as badminton was known, it has always been a 15 points game as a basic badminton rule. But after the Thomas/Uber Cup in 2006 where they experimented on trying the 21 points game, it has since been the official rally format. So what is the difference between 15 and 21 game rally formats?

The 15 game rally format is still the preferred format played in badminton. When not in tournament, it is still okay to follow this format and not the official one. Listed are the basic badminton rules for a 15 point game.

A team should win two out of three matches to win the game. Basic badminton rules say that men should work more for the game because they have to complete the whole of 15 points while the women just need the 11 points to win the match. In men’s match: When the score ties to 14-all, the side that scored 14 first shall have the choice either continue playing to 15 or to set the badminton game to 17 points.

In women’s match: When the score ties to 10-all, the side that scored ten first shall have the choice either continue playing to 11 or to set the badminton game to 13 points. Only the side that served can win a point. If you win in which the other side served, you just win back the turn to serve but not add points to you game. In singles: when the score if an even number, serve right of the service court; when the score if an odd number, serve left of the service court. In doubles: when you serve and received on the right side if the service court first, you will continue during the match to serve on the same side when your opponent’s score is an even number. As basic badminton rule, your partner’s pattern is reversed.

The 21 game rally format is the official format used in the tournaments and official games. People are still hesitant to try this new format rally on their own. For those who want to try, here are some basic badminton rules for the 21 point game:

A team should win two out of three matches to win the game. A team should score 21 points to win the game. When the score ties to 20-all; the side that scored two consecutive rallies after that wins the match. When the score ties to 29-all, the side that scored the 30th point will win the game. You can score a point even if your side did not make the serve. Only one player of the doubles team can do the serving. Basic badminton rules may change, but it is still a fun sport to play.