What is the
Star Point Rule
in Padel?
The FIP officially renamed golden point to star point in 2026. Here is exactly what it means, how it works, and why clubs adopted it.
The short answer
At 40-40 in padel, instead of playing deuce and advantage, a single sudden-death point decides the game. This is called the star point (formerly golden point).
The receiving team chooses which side to receive from. The server serves normally. Whoever wins that one point wins the game.
Golden point vs star point - what changed?
The rule itself did not change - only the name. The International Padel Federation (FIP) officially adopted "star point" as the name in 2026, replacing the previous informal name "golden point".
If you hear someone say "golden point" on the padel court, they mean the same thing as star point. The name change is new enough that both terms are still in common use.
How it works step by step
Why clubs use it
Padel courts are expensive and in high demand. A deuce/advantage system can turn a single game into 10 or more points. Star point keeps matches moving, courts available, and the mental pressure high on every single rally at 40-40.
For recreational players, it also removes arguments. There is no confusion about score at deuce - one point, done, move on.
Does Scorepion support star point?
Yes. Scorepion shows a clear star point banner when both teams reach 40-40. Every player on court sees it immediately on the scoring screen. No debate about whether the rule is active.
Star point can be turned off in match settings if you prefer to play with deuce/advantage.
