Padel Scoring Terminology

Padel’s scoring system is inherited from tennis but has its own nuances. This reference explains every scoring term — from “love” to “golden point”.

Match Structure

A padel match is made up of sets, sets of games, and games of points.

Match
 └── Set (usually 2--3)
      └── Game (minimum 6 to win a set)
           └── Point (minimum 4 to win a game)

For the full rules, see Scoring System.

Game Scoring

Points

Example: a score of “30–15” means the serving pair has won 2 points, the receiving pair 1.

Love (Cero)

Zero. The origin is debated — possibly from the French “l’oeuf” (egg, resembling a 0).

Deuce (Iguales / Cuarenta iguales)

The score is 40–40. After deuce, a pair must win two consecutive points to take the game (or one under the golden-point rule).

Advantage (Ventaja)

A point won after deuce. Indicated as:

• Ad-in (Ventaja del servidor) — advantage to the serving pair
• Ad-out (Ventaja del restador) — advantage to the receiving pair

If the pair with advantage wins the next point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score returns to deuce.

Golden Point (Punto de Oro)

A rule increasingly used in professional padel:

• At deuce (40–40), one deciding rally is played
• The receiving pair chooses the side of return
• No advantage — the winner takes the game immediately
• Purpose: speed up the match and increase excitement

[UNVERIFIED] The golden point is used in Premier Padel and many amateur tournaments.

Set Scoring

Game (Juego)

The serving pair is the server (sacador); the receiving pair is the receiver (restador). Service alternates after every game.

Winning a Set

A set is won by the pair that first reaches 6 games with a lead of at least 2 games.

Tie-Break (Muerte súbita)

A special game played at 6–6:

• Played to 7 points with a minimum lead of 2
• Points are counted as regular numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7…
• Service changes after the first point, then every 2 points
• Players change ends when the total points are a multiple of 6
• Example final scores: 7–5, 7–4, 8–6, 10–8

Super Tie-Break

Played instead of a deciding third set in some tournament formats:

• To 10 points with a minimum lead of 2
• Same service and end-change rules as a regular tie-break

Match Scoring

Match Format

Calling the Score

The score is always called with the serving pair’s score first.

Examples:

• “15–0” — the serving pair leads
• “30–40” — the receiving pair has a break point
• “Deuce” — 40–40
• “Advantage server” — the serving pair leads after deuce

Key Moments

Break Point (Punto de Break)

A situation where the receiving pair can win the game on the opponent’s serve. One of the most important moments in a match.

• 1 break point: score 30–40 or Ad-out
• 2 break points: score 15–40
• 3 break points: score 0–40

Set Point (Punto de Set)

A point that could clinch the set for one of the pairs.

Match Point (Punto de Partido)

A point that could decide the entire match. The most intense moment.

Slang and Jargon

Flashcards: Test Your Knowledge

Click each card to flip and reveal the definition:

FAQ

Why 15, 30, 40 instead of 1, 2, 3? The system is inherited from tennis. The exact origin is debated — possibly linked to a clock face (15, 30, 45 → simplified to 40).

What is a “love game”? A game won without conceding a point (40–0).