The BWF has been using the 3X21 scoring system since 2006. The system was introduced to replace the previous 5X7 points system. | Photo Credit: H S MANJUNATH

The Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) long-discussed move from the 3x21 rally-point format to a 3x15 scoring system was approved by its members at the 87th BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark. The change will come into effect on January 4, 2027.

Matches will continue to follow the best-of-three-games format, but each game will now be played to 15 points instead of 21.

“We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long-term future of our players,” said BWF president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.

At 14-14, a player or pair will need to establish a two-point advantage to seal the game.

The proposed format had already been tested in 2025 at selected Grade 3 tournaments, the National Championships and the BWF World Junior Championships.

Earlier this year, in February, the BWF Council formally placed the proposal for voting, citing data which it believed showed that the revised format struck the right balance between the demands of the sport and the entertainment value for spectators.

The governing body said the new scoring structure was intended to ease the physical load on players, reduce the likelihood of injuries and provide more time for recovery.

Published on Apr 25, 2026