40:40. Deuce. Traditionally, there were usually two possibilities here: unlimited advantage exchanges or an immediate Golden Point. Since 2026, padel has put a third format in the spotlight: the Star Point.
The new system gives both teams two chances to close out a game through advantage. If neither team manages it, one final rally decides the game. The Star Point combines the tension of traditional advantage scoring with a fixed ending.
What is the Star Point?
The Star Point is a scoring format for games that reach 40:40. Until then, everything stays familiar: 15, 30, 40, deuce.
From the first deuce, the game has three stages:
- First advantage: The team that wins the next point gets advantage. If it wins the following rally too, it wins the game. If it loses, the score returns to deuce.
- Second advantage: The next point again gives one team advantage. If that team confirms the advantage, the game ends. If it loses the following point, the Star Point begins.
- Star Point: One rally decides the entire game.
For the deciding Star Point, the returning team chooses whether to receive on the right or left side. The returners may not switch positions for this choice.
The International Padel Federation (FIP) approved the system at the end of 2025 and introduced it for the 2026 season.
A point-by-point example
Team A and Team B are at 40:40:
- Team A wins the next point: advantage A.
- Team B saves the advantage: back to deuce.
- Team B wins the next point: advantage B.
- Team A saves that advantage too: Star Point.
- Team B chooses the receiving side.
- The winner of the next rally wins the game.
A team can still finish the game before the Star Point. It needs to win two consecutive points after one of the two deuce phases.
Advantage, Golden Point, and Star Point compared
| Format | What happens at 40:40 | How the game ends |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional advantage | Unlimited advantage and deuce | Only after a two-point lead |
| Golden Point | Immediate deciding point | Next rally decides |
| Star Point | Two advantage phases, then deciding point | Star Point decides at the latest |
The Star Point sits between the two familiar systems. It prevents very long games but does not remove every traditional advantage chance immediately.
Why was the format introduced?
Padel matches can become unpredictable because of long deuce games. That affects broadcast schedules and tournament planning as well as player workload.
The FIP names three central goals:
- more predictable match duration
- lower physical load
- more excitement for spectators and broadcasts
The new rule was unanimously approved by the FIP General Assembly on 28 November 2025. Players, coaches, organisers, media partners, and other stakeholders were consulted beforehand.
The compromise is clear: tradition remains visible, but no game can run through a long series of deuce and advantage exchanges.
Where does the Star Point apply from 2026?
Internationally, the format has been used since the start of the 2026 season in several important competitions:
- Premier Padel
- CUPRA FIP Tour
- FIP Promises
- FIP Beyond
The Star Point had its international premiere at FIP Bronze Melbourne in January 2026. At Premier Padel, it began with Riyadh P1 in February. Details of the official process are also in the FIP Beyond 2026 rulebook.
Does the Star Point apply to DPV tournaments in Germany?
Yes, but not in every category.
For the German Padel Series during the 2026/27 season:
- GPS 50 to GPS 500: Golden Point directly at the first deuce
- GPS 750 to GPS 1500: Star Point after two advantage phases
This is set out in the current DPV framework document for GPS tournaments 2026/27.
German league competition also distinguishes between levels:
- 1st Bundesliga: Star Point
- 2nd Bundesliga, Regional League, and Oberliga: Golden Point
The announcement for the specific competition always takes priority. Check it before the match instead of relying only on the last tournament category you played.
How the Star Point changes tactics
The Star Point is not merely an administrative rule. It changes decisions on court.
Choose the receiving side deliberately
The returning team chooses the serve side at the Star Point. Usually, the stronger returner takes the ball. But the server, preferred forehand side, and possible bandeja-to-glass combinations also matter.
Set roles before the match
Discuss these points before playing:
- Who returns more reliably from each side?
- Who stays calmer under pressure?
- Which serve direction from the opponent causes problems?
- Which formation will you use after the return?
Otherwise, a discussion can start on court under time pressure when you actually need a clear plan.
The second advantage is the turning point
After the first saved advantage, pressure rises significantly. The team that gets the second advantage is playing for the game. The team that saves it forces the Star Point. This phase rewards safe serves, controlled returns, and patient first volleys more than risky winner attempts.
What does the rule mean for recreational players?
In a friendly match, you can choose which format to use. The Star Point is useful when you want to:
- keep the tension of advantage scoring
- retain a predictable booking time
- prepare for higher GPS categories
- use an alternative to the immediate Golden Point
Before the first serve, agree whether you will play traditional advantage, Golden Point, or Star Point. A short agreement prevents arguments at the first 40:40.
Our padel beginner guide to rules and scoring covers serves, tiebreaks, and other fundamentals.
Frequently asked questions about the Star Point
Is the Star Point the same as Golden Point?
No. With Golden Point, the next rally decides immediately after the first deuce. With the Star Point, up to two advantage phases are played first.
Who chooses the receiving side?
The returning team chooses the right or left side at the Star Point. The returners may not switch positions for that choice.
Does every padel tournament use the Star Point?
No. International and German competitions have different requirements by event and category. Check the announcement.
Is there another advantage after the Star Point?
No. The Star Point is the final rally of the game. Its winner wins the game.
Conclusion: more drama, with a fixed ending
The Star Point is less radical than Golden Point and more predictable than traditional advantage scoring. Two advantage phases preserve part of the familiar tennis principle. After that, one rally decides the game.
For spectators, it creates a clear climax. For players, it means choosing the receiving side, setting a plan, and handling pressure. That is why the Star Point may become the most exciting moment of an entire match.
