Announcement

Invitation to Test a 3 x 15 Scoring System

  1. Council Endorsed Alternative Scoring System – 3 x 15 (setting to 21)

At its meeting on 09 November 2024, BWF Council endorsed the 3 x 15 (setting to 21) scoring system, already part of the Alternative Laws of Badminton, as the preferred scoring system to replace the current scoring system.

Potentially a proposal could go forward to the BWF Annual General Meeting in April 2026 for a decision, pending the outcome of testing and stakeholder surveying this year (see below).


  1. Background for a new Scoring System  3 x 15 (setting to 21)

Based on the analysis of real match data from the BWF Major Championships and World Tour tournaments over several years against several different scoring system options: a) the current scoring system; b) 2 x 21 points with first to 11 points in the third game; and c) 5 x 11 points), BWF Council believes the 3 x 15 system best balances the key criteria / principles as follows:

  • More exciting points, including more “close” matches – Compared to the current system, 3 x 15 has fewer points per game = probability that each point is more exciting;
  • Getting to more exciting points sooner – Compared to the current system, 3 x 15 gets to the end points in games faster and is the best balance of “excitement” as measured in each game AND measured in the overall number of games; and
  • Shorter matches > better scheduling > keep fan interest > player health and longevity – The 3 x 15 system showed the greatest probability for the lowest number of rallies, and compared to 5 x 11, 3 x 15 provides a more consistent length of the games.

  1. Practical Testing – League and National Tournament Testing

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.

Alongside testing, BWF will survey key stakeholders at each tournament as well as an overall survey of all Members, Athletes’ Commissions (players), technical officials, and commercial partners near the end of the testing period.

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.

To that end, please let us know (see email address below) if you are interested in assisting BWF with this testing at your national and/or international leagues (if applicable), and any national tournaments.

Keep in mind that you may also be contacted by your respective Continental Confederation regarding testing at one or more Grade 3 tournaments during this time.

We look forward to hearing from you by Friday, 28 February 2025.


More Information / Contact Person

Please contact Events Director – Technical Operations, Christopher Trenholme ([email protected]), should you have any questions, and your interest in testing at one or more national leagues or tournaments.