The padel Star Point, explained
Since January 2026 the professional padel tours no longer play endless deuces. They use the Star Point: a mix of classic advantage and the golden point. Here is how it works, in two minutes, with a diagram.
At 40–40 you play advantage as usual, but only twice. If the second advantage is lost too, one deciding point, the Star Point, settles the game. The receiving pair chooses which side they receive on. It is used on Premier Padel, the FIP tours and USA Padel tournaments. Many clubs still play golden point or advantage, so agree the format before you start.
How the Star Point works
- First deuce (40–40)Play the next point. Whoever wins it has advantage.
- Advantage 1The pair with advantage wins the game if they win the next point. If they lose it, the score goes back to 40–40.
- Second deucePlay on. Whoever wins the next point has the second advantage.
- Advantage 2Win it and you win the game. Lose it and the game goes to the Star Point.
- The Star PointOne point decides the game. The receiving pair chooses which player receives, so which side the serve goes to.
A worked example
It is 40–40. Your pair wins the next point: advantage you. You lose the next one: deuce again. Your opponents win the next point: advantage them. You win the next: that was the second advantage, so instead of another deuce the game goes straight to the Star Point. Your opponents are serving, so you, the receivers, choose who receives. You win the point and the game.
Star Point vs golden point vs advantage
| Format | At 40–40 | Longest possible game | Where you will meet it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage | Win two points in a row | No limit | Traditional; many friendly games |
| Golden point | One deciding point straight away | 7 points | Very common in clubs, leagues and timed bookings |
| Star Point | Up to two advantages, then one deciding point | 11 points | Premier Padel, CUPRA FIP Tour, FIP Promises, the amateur FIP Beyond circuit and USA Padel tournaments since 2026 |
The longest game is counted from love: six points to reach 40–40, then at most five more under the Star Point (advantage, deuce, advantage, deuce, Star Point).
Why padel changed the rule
Under classic advantage a single game can run for many minutes, which makes matches long and hard to schedule. The golden point fixes that but feels harsh: a whole game can hinge on one point. The International Padel Federation (FIP) chose the Star Point as a middle way: both pairs get a fair chance to win the game with advantage, but the number of points in a game is capped. The FIP General Assembly approved it unanimously on 28 November 2025.
First used at FIP Bronze Melbourne (5–11 January 2026). Premier Padel debut: Riyadh P1, 9–14 February 2026. USA Padel made it the scoring for all sanctioned tournaments from January 2026.
Tips for playing a Star Point as a beginner
- Receiving: put your best returner on it. You choose the side, so pick the player who returns most reliably, not the one who hits hardest.
- Serving: make the first serve. A safe, deep serve into the box beats a risky one. A double fault on a Star Point gives the game away.
- Play the percentage shot. Keep the ball in play, use the lob to push them back, and let them make the mistake.
- Count advantages out loud. Say "first advantage" or "second advantage" so nobody argues about whether the next deuce is the Star Point.
Most social games and club bookings still use golden point or classic advantage. Ask which format you are playing before the first serve.
The new 2026 padel scoring rule on one image.
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Rules and scoring, including all three deuce formats, are chapter 3. The guide then covers choosing a racket, the grip, every basic shot, the walls, where to stand in pairs and an 8-week plan.
Questions beginners ask
What is the Star Point in padel?
A scoring format introduced by the International Padel Federation for 2026. At 40–40 up to two advantages are played. If the game returns to deuce after the second advantage is lost, one deciding point, the Star Point, decides the game.
Who chooses the side on the Star Point?
The receiving pair chooses which player receives the deciding point, the same as on a golden point.
Is the Star Point the same as the golden point?
No. The golden point is played immediately at the first 40–40. The Star Point only comes after two advantages have been played and lost.
How long can a padel game last with the Star Point?
At most 11 points: six to reach 40–40, then at most five more.
Do clubs use the Star Point?
It is used on the professional tours, the amateur FIP Beyond circuit and USA Padel sanctioned tournaments. Many clubs and social games still use golden point or advantage, so agree the format before you play.
More beginner tips
Sources
- Between innovation and tradition: introducing the "Star Point", International Padel Federation, December 2025.
- FIP Promises: new regulations published, effective from 2026, International Padel Federation, December 2025.
- Important player updates: Star Point scoring (effective January 2026), USA Padel, June 2026.
- What is the Star Point? Premier Padel's new scoring system, Padel Addict, December 2025.
- Repvela, Start Playing Padel: The Complete Beginner's Guide, chapter 3.
This article is general information for healthy beginners, not medical advice. If something hurts sharply, keeps getting worse or does not settle, see a doctor or physiotherapist.