Padel's Star Point Explained: The New Way to Win a Deuce

A new answer to an old argument

Quick take. The Star Point is padel's new way to finish a deuce game. You play advantage as usual, but only twice. If the score comes back to deuce a third time, the next point wins the game. The pro tour has used it since February 2026.

Anyone who has played padel in Bangkok knows the question before the first serve: "golden point or advantage?" For years the pro game used the golden point, where one point at deuce decides everything. In 2026 the professionals moved to a middle way, and it is worth knowing about.

How the Star Point works

1. At 40-40 (deuce) the game carries on with advantage, exactly like tennis.
2. If the serving or receiving pair wins two points in a row, they win the game as normal.
3. If the score goes back to deuce, advantage is played one more time.
4. If it reaches deuce for the third time, the next point is the Star Point. Whoever wins it wins the game.

So there are at most two rounds of advantage, then a sudden-death point.

Why it came in

The FIP (International Padel Federation) approved the Star Point at its General Assembly on 28 November 2025, as an official scoring option in the rules. Premier Padel first used it at the Riyadh P1, starting on 9 February 2026, and the CUPRA FIP Tour followed. Premier Padel's Luigi Carraro said it was "designed to preserve padel tradition, whilst improving player welfare and broadcast predictability". In plain words: long deuce games stay possible, but matches can no longer drag on for ever, which helps players' bodies and TV schedules.

The three ways to play deuce

• Classic advantage. Play on until one pair is two points clear. Fair, but games can last a long time.
• Golden point. One point at deuce decides. Fast, and the receivers choose who receives.
• Star Point. Two rounds of advantage, then one deciding point. A compromise between the two.

Should your club game use it?

For a ninety-minute court booking with friends, the golden point is still the quickest. For a league match or a longer Americano with time to spare, the Star Point is a nice way to give long games a fair chance without blowing the schedule. Whatever you pick, agree before the first serve.

If you are new to formats, read our guide to Americano and Mexicano, then find an event to try it at on the tournaments page.

Tell other players what you think of the new rule: join the Bangkok Padel Community on Facebook.

Sources

• Premier Padel and FIP unveil the 2026 calendar and the new Star Point (FIP)
• What is the Star Point? Premier Padel's new scoring system (Padel Addict)