How Padel Scoring Works

Padel uses the same basic scoring system as tennis, but with two important additions: the golden point at deuce instead of advantage, and a super tiebreak in the deciding set instead of a full third set. This guide covers every aspect of padel scoring — from individual points to complete matches.

How Points Are Counted

Points in padel progress exactly like tennis: 0, 15, 30, 40, and then the game. Both pairs start each game at 0–0 (called 'love'). The server's score is always called first — so if the serving pair wins two points and the receiving pair wins one, the score is called 30–15.

40-40: No Advantage — Just the Golden Point

When the score reaches 40–40, padel does not use advantage scoring. Instead, one decisive point is played immediately. This is called the golden point (punto de oro). The receiving pair chooses which side of the court to receive from — left or right — and whoever wins that single point wins the game. There are no deuces stretching on for minutes. This rule is mandatory in all professional play and standard in most club matches.

The Golden Point: Strategy and Tactics

The golden point shifts the dynamics at 40–40. The receiver has a small strategic advantage: they choose which side to receive from, so they can pick the side where they are strongest or where the server is weakest. This means that every point leading to 40–40 matters — neither pair can afford to wait passively for a second chance.

Winning a Set

A set is won by the first pair to reach 6 games with at least a 2-game lead. Scores of 6–0, 6–1, 6–2, 6–3, and 6–4 all close the set. If the score reaches 5–5, play continues to 7–5. If the score reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is played to decide the set.

The 6-6 Tiebreak

When a set reaches 6–6, a tiebreak decides it. Tiebreak points are called as regular numbers (1, 2, 3…) rather than 15/30/40. The tiebreak is played to 7 points with a minimum 2-point lead required. If the tiebreak itself reaches 6–6, play continues until one pair leads by 2 (8–6, 9–7, 10–8, etc.). The serve rotates every two points. The pair who wins the tiebreak wins the set 7–6.

Super Tiebreak: The Deciding Third Set

In most padel match formats, the third set is replaced by a super tiebreak — also called a match tiebreak or super tie-break. This is played to 10 points, with a minimum 2-point lead. If it reaches 9–9, play continues until one pair leads by 2 (10–8 wins, as does 11–9, 12–10, etc.). This format keeps deciding sets fast and exciting and is used in Premier Padel and most recreational play.

How Scores Are Called in Padel

In professional matches, a referee announces the score after every point. In recreational play, the serving pair traditionally calls the score — server's score first. At deuce the call is '40–40'. The next call is 'golden point'. Tiebreak calls are plain numbers: '3–2', '6–5', etc. This is exactly what Padel Speaker announces through your Bluetooth speaker after every tap — keeping both sides of the net informed without anyone stopping play to argue the score.