Badminton rules

Badminton rule changes

Changes that affect how a game is played or scored, newest first: the old rule, the new one, and what it means for scoring.

From the BWF Laws of Badminton, Version 5.0, in force since 26 April 2025 and its change documentLast checked Read the change document ↗
20272027 rulebook
SCORING Law 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5

Games go to 15 points (3×15)

BeforeBest of three games to 21. Two clear from 20-all; at 29-all the next point wins.
NowBest of three games to 15. Two clear from 14-all; at 20-all the next point wins. From 4 January 2027.

For scoring: The most a game can reach is 21, not 30. Three games to 21 stays allowed by agreement.

20272027 rulebook
SCORING Law 8.1.3, 16.2.1

Break and change of ends at 8

BeforeA 60-second break when the leader reaches 11, and a change of ends at 11 in game three.
NowBoth happen at 8. From 4 January 2027.

For scoring: Switch ends in the deciding game when a side first reaches 8.

20252025 rulebook
SERVICE Law 9.1.5

No spin on the release

BeforeThe Law only said the racket must hit the base first. A no-spin release was a trial rule in BWF-sanctioned tournaments.
NowReleasing the shuttle with spin is a service fault under the Laws, in force from 26 April 2025.

For scoring: A spun release is a fault: point and serve to the receiving side.

Changes from earlier editions of the Laws are being checked against those editions and will be added here.

Rules are written by 1SCOR in our own words and checked against the official rulebook. They are not the rulebook: for anything official, read the rulebook itself.