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.

See the complete padel rules guide for serving, walls and match formats →

Padel Scoring FAQ

How do you keep score in padel?

Points count like tennis — 15, 30, 40, then the game — with the server's score called first. Win six games (two clear) to take a set, and best-of-three sets wins the match. At 40–40 a single golden point decides the game.

What is the golden point at deuce?

When the game reaches 40–40, padel skips advantage and plays one decisive point called the golden point. The receiving pair picks which side to receive from, and the winner of that single point wins the game.

How does a super tiebreak work in padel?

A super tiebreak (match tiebreak) replaces the third set in most formats. It is played to 10 points with a two-point margin — if it reaches 9–9, play continues until one pair leads by two. Points are called as plain numbers.

How are padel points called out?

The serving pair's score is always called first — for example '30–15'. At 40–40 the call is 'golden point'. In a tiebreak, points are read as plain numbers such as '5–4'. Padel Speaker announces each of these automatically through your Bluetooth speaker.

Is padel scored the same way as tennis?

The point and set structure is the same as tennis (15–30–40, six games to a set). The two key differences are the golden point at 40–40 instead of advantage, and a super tiebreak to 10 replacing the deciding set.