Explained: Why badminton world body wants to experiment with new 3×15 scoring system

The sport of badminton can opt for a radical change to make the game shorter and more attractive to younger generations. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is set to trial the 3x15 scoring system in 2025 and if the experiment is successful it could become a permanent rule.

Currently, badminton uses the 3x21 scoring system.

What is a  3x15 scoring system?

The badminton matches, currently, are a best-of-three-game contest with each game offering 21 points. In the 3x15 scoring system, the game will be won by the player who first scores 15 points instead of 21. The matches will remain a best-of-three-game affair.

“As part of its due diligence, BWF Council approved a plan to practically test the 3 x 15 (setting to 21) system at selected Continental Championships, Grade 3 tournaments, national and international leagues, and national tournaments from approximately April to September/October 2025,” BWF said.

Why BWF wants to use the 3x15 scoring system?

The biggest reason is to make matches shorter and more exciting to attract new viewers from the young population. Shorter games will also help in better scheduling and helping combat growing injury concerns.

“Compared to the current system, 3x15 has fewer points per game, which increases the probability that each point will be more exciting. Compared to the current system, 3x15 reaches the end points in games faster and strikes the best balance of excitement, both in each game and in the overall number of games,” BWF said.

“The 3x15 system shows the greatest probability for the lowest number of rallies, and compared to 5x11, 3x15 provides a more consistent length of games.”

The BWF added that a survey among key stakeholders at each tournament and an overall survey of all Members, Athletes’ Commissions (players), technical officials, and commercial partners will be completed at the end of the testing period.

The final decision to make the 3x15 scoring system permanent will only be made in 2026.

“Pending an outcome of testing and survey results, BWF Council will make a final decision whether to propose this new system to the BWF Annual General Meeting 2026.”

Badminton continues experimentation with scoring system

The BWF has experimented with various scoring systems over the years. The scoring system has evolved from 15x3 to 7x5 and finally to the current 21x3 system.

Initially, matches followed a best-of-three format, with men’s singles, doubles, and all doubles matches played to 15 points, while women’s singles used an 11-point system. Only the serving player could score a point.

In 2002, the 7x5 scoring system was briefly introduced but later replaced by the rally point system (21x3) in 2006.

Between these changes, the BWF also experimented with an 11x5 format in 2014. It was proposed again in 2021 but failed to secure enough votes at the 82nd BWF AGM.