How Pickleball Scoring Works (and Why Only the Server Scores)
Pickleball scoring seems odd at first because only the serving team scores and the score has three numbers. Once you see the logic, it becomes second nature.
Traditional scoring in one sentence
Only the serving side can win points. Games go to 11 and you must win by two.
The three numbers in doubles
The server calls the score before each serve in this order:
- The serving team’s score
- The receiving team’s score
- The server number, 1 or 2
At the start of a game, the score is 0-0-2. The 2 means the first team only gets one server, which prevents a big advantage from the first serve.
How servers change
- Each player on a team serves until they lose a rally.
- When the first server loses a rally, the partner serves and the server number becomes 2.
- When the second server loses a rally, the serve passes to the other team, called a side out.
- The new serving team starts with server number 1.
Worked example
- Game starts: 0-0-2. Team A serves and wins the rally: 1-0-2.
- Team A wins again: 2-0-2.
- Team A loses a rally: the serve passes to Team B. The score is called 0-2-1.
- Team B wins a rally: 1-2-1.
- Team B loses a rally: the second server takes over. The call is 1-2-2.
Which side to serve from
The server serves from the right side when their team’s score is even and from the left side when it is odd. This helps everyone keep track.
Singles scoring
In singles you call two numbers: the server’s score and the receiver’s score. If the server’s score is even they serve from the right side, and if it is odd they serve from the left.
Winning the game
Most games go to 11 and you must win by two, so a game can continue past 11. Some events use games to 15 or 21. Rally scoring, where either side can score on every rally, is used in some leagues and tournaments. Always check the format before you start.
Tips for keeping track
- Say the score out loud every time.
- Agree with your partner who is the first server at the start.
- Use the even-right, odd-left trick to confirm positions.
If you are new, begin with the basic rules and the kitchen rules. To plan your time, see how long games last.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the game start at 0-0-2?
It gives the first serving team only one server, which balances the advantage of serving first.
Can the receiving team score?
Not under traditional scoring. They must win the rally to gain the serve first.