BWF Approves New 3X15 Scoring System- Here’s Everything You Need To Know About It

In a major tectonic shift in the world of badminton, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday gave its approval to change the scoring system from 21 points to 15 points. Starting from January 2027, a new 3x15 point system will be implemented.

The decision was taken at the annual general meeting of BWF in Horsens, Denmark. The proposal was passed with a clear vote of 198-43, which is well over the two-thirds majority.

The move follows over a year of trials at select tournaments, part of the federation's push to modernise the sport. Under the revised format, matches will be played as best-of-three games to 15 points, with games extending to 21 in the event of a tie.

How Does The New Pointing System Function?

The new 3x15 scoring system will replace the long-standing 3x21 format introduced in 2006, leading to significantly shorter match durations. Players will still compete in a best-of-three format, but each game will now be played to 15 points instead of 21.

If the score is tied at 14-14, a player must secure a two-point lead to win the game. However, if it reaches 20-20, the next point decides the winner. As before, players will switch ends after the first two games, but in the deciding game, the changeover will now occur at 8 points instead of 11.

Additionally, there will be a two-minute interval between the first two games, along with a 60-second break when a player reaches 8 points in the decider.

Why Did The BWF Decide To Change The System?

The BWF stated that its evaluation focused on four key aspects: winning probability, match duration, game competitiveness, and the number of high-pressure or "exciting" points.

According to the federation, the 3x15 format outperformed both the existing 3x21 system and the proposed 5x11 format across all these parameters. It added that shorter games would increase on-court intensity, enhancing the viewing experience for fans and broadcasters alike.

The governing body also highlighted that reduced match time would help lower player fatigue and minimise injury risks. Additionally, the 3x15 system is expected to streamline scheduling, making it easier for tournament organisers to manage operations efficiently.