Whose score is called first in badminton?

The server's score always comes first. An even server's score means serving from the right, an odd one from the left.

When is the interval in a badminton game from 2027?

From 2027 the interval comes when the leading side reaches 8 points.

What is a rubber game?

The third, deciding game of a match, played when the first two games are split one each.

What are seeds in a badminton draw?

Seeds are spread through the draw so that they meet late in the tournament.

When should spectators cheer at badminton?

Once the rally is over. Crowds stay quiet during play, and a sudden flash can blind a player tracking the shuttle.

How can a beginner find a game of badminton?

Club sessions and beginners' sessions welcome new players, and most centres rent courts by the hour. Two players, rackets and shuttles are enough.

Badminton · Level 1: Beginner · Sub-level 1.5

Watching and Playing

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 29 October 2026 · markdown

Watching badminton starts with the score. The server's score is always called first, an even score means serving from the right service court and an odd score from the left, and from 2027 the interval comes when the leader reaches 8 points. Broadcasts mark the current server, often show the measured speed of smashes and use replays to show the landing point against the line. When the games stand at one all, the third, deciding game is often called the rubber game.

Most tournaments are knockouts, where each defeat ends a player's run. Seeds are spread through the draw so they meet late, a bye moves a player on without a match, a walkover is given when an opponent withdraws, and group stages often use round-robin play. Before a match, players walk on with the umpire and service judge, a toss decides who serves or which end they start at, and the umpire begins with 'play'.

Away from the arena, fair play matters: in social games each player calls the shuttles landing on their own side, and when in doubt gives the opponent the point. Clubs offer courts, sessions, ladders and leagues, Shuttle Time is the BWF's schools programme, and most centres rent courts by the hour. The facts below cover following a match, tournament formats, the walk-on, etiquette, clubs and schools, safe play, watching from the stands and finding a game.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Following a match on TVTake a test

Broadcasts mark the current server.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Broadcasts often show the measured speed of smashes.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Replays show the landing point against the line.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
A low side camera shows the touch and speed of net exchanges.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
2-1 in games means all three were played.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Saving match point means winning that rally to stay in the match.
Source: General badminton reference · applied
The third, deciding game is often called the rubber game.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Names first, then games, then points, with the server marked.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Two games, then the deciding game.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
The high view lets viewers see where every shot goes.
Source: General badminton reference · applied

Test 2How a tournament runsTake a test

In a knockout, each defeat ends a player's run.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Seeds are spread through the draw so they meet late.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Semi-finals decide the finalists.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Quarter-finals hold the last eight.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · applied
A bye moves a player on without a match.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Group stages often use round-robin play.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
A walkover is given when the opponent withdraws.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
From 16 to the final.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Enter, draw, play, finish.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
The champion stands on the top step.
Source: General badminton reference · applied

Test 3Following the scoreTake a test

The server's score always comes first.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
The server's score is called first, so the server has 9.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
From 2027 the interval comes when the leader reaches 8.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 16.2 · recall
Even scores serve from the right.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 10.1 · recall
One game all means a deciding game will be played.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Every rally scores; the winner of a rally serves next.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 10.3 · applied
15-12 ends it; 15-14 needs a two-point lead, and 14-12 and 12-10 are still short of 15.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 7.4 · recall
Even scores serve from the right, odd from the left.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 10.1 · recall
Start, interval, game point, the end.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 7, 16 · recall
An even score means the right service court.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 10.1 · applied

Test 4The players' walk-on and warm-upTake a test

Players are led on with the umpire and service judge.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
A toss decides who serves or which end they start at.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 6 · recall
Players warm up on court before the match.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 9 · recall
Warming up prepares muscles and timing.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 9 · recall
Kit boxes sit beside the court.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
The umpire starts play with 'play'.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Players test shuttles to check their speed.
Source: BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 3 · recall
Walk-on, toss, warm-up, start.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
From pulse raising to game shots.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 9 · recall
Players and officials walk on together before the match.
Source: General badminton reference · applied

Test 5Etiquette and fair playTake a test

Players call shuttles landing on their own side.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Returning the shuttle kindly keeps play friendly and fast.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
A stray shuttle can distract; social games replay the rally.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Waiting for the rally to end avoids distracting players.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
A raised hand after a lucky net cord is a common courtesy.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
When in doubt, players give their opponent the point.
Source: General badminton reference · applied
Honesty and respect are part of fair play.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 2 · recall
Courtesy runs from the first greeting to the handshake.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Stop, return it, replay.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
In social games each player calls their own side.
Source: General badminton reference · applied

Test 6Playing in a clubTake a test

Clubs provide courts, sessions and people to play with.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Ladder systems let players challenge those above them.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Leagues run matches between teams through a season.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Rotating partners mixes levels and keeps it social.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Pyramid systems, like ladders, rank players by challenges.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Setting up and packing away is shared by members.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Clubs give regular games, coaching and competitions.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
From joining to representing the club.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
Winning a challenge moves you up.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · recall
On a ladder you challenge the player just above you.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 12 · applied

Test 7Playing in schoolTake a test

Shuttle Time is the BWF schools programme.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Nylon shuttles survive many beginner hits.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
It is safe, low impact and gives quick success.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 1 · recall
Equipment sized for children makes hitting easier.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 4 · recall
Throwing and catching build the movements of striking.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Classes use the space with several children per court.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Courts fit in most halls.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
From throwing to rallying.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
Skills build step by step.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 7 · recall
School groups learn through programmes such as Shuttle Time.
Source: General badminton reference · applied

Test 8Safe play and warm-upTake a test

Raise the pulse first, then mobility, then shots.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 9 · recall
A cool-down helps the body recover after play.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 9 · recall
Sweat on the court is a slipping hazard.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Facing forward protects the eyes from fast returns.
Source: General badminton reference · applied
Clear calls stop partners swinging at the same shuttle.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 8 · recall
Regular drinking keeps players hydrated.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 11 · recall
Proper shoes help prevent ankle injuries.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
From gentle to game speed.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 9 · recall
Finish with a cool-down and drink.
Source: BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 9 · recall
A wet court is slippery; it is wiped before play goes on.
Source: General badminton reference · applied

Test 9Being a spectatorTake a test

A sudden flash can blind a player tracking the white shuttle.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Crowds roar at the end of rallies.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Spectators sit in the stands around the courts.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Movement behind the court can distract players.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Badminton crowds in Indonesia and Malaysia are famous for noise.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
The order of play lists courts and times.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Scoreboards and live apps show all courts.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Plan, sit, watch, celebrate.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Quiet in the rally, noise after it.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Crowds cheer once the rally is over.
Source: General badminton reference · applied

Test 10Finding a gameTake a test

Club sessions welcome new players.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Most centres rent courts by the hour.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Two players, rackets and shuttles are enough.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Beginners' sessions teach the basics in a friendly way.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Social badminton is casual and friendly.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Courts are usually booked by the hour.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Doubles shares the court, so beginners move less.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Book, bring kit, warm up, play.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
From trying to competing.
Source: General badminton reference · recall
Friends playing for fun on a hired court is social badminton.
Source: General badminton reference · applied

Questions people ask

Whose score is called first in badminton?: The server's score always comes first. An even server's score means serving from the right, an odd one from the left.
When is the interval in a badminton game from 2027?: From 2027 the interval comes when the leading side reaches 8 points.
What is a rubber game?: The third, deciding game of a match, played when the first two games are split one each.
What are seeds in a badminton draw?: Seeds are spread through the draw so that they meet late in the tournament.
Who calls the lines in a social game of badminton?: Without officials, each player calls the shuttles landing on their own side, and when in doubt gives the opponent the point.
When should spectators cheer at badminton?: Once the rally is over. Crowds stay quiet during play, and a sudden flash can blind a player tracking the shuttle.
How can a beginner find a game of badminton?: Club sessions and beginners' sessions welcome new players, and most centres rent courts by the hour. Two players, rackets and shuttles are enough.

Sources

BWF Coaches' Manual Level 1 (2017), BWF regulations and history, Olympedia; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered rules belong to the Rules category (Badminton - Laws of Badminton).

General badminton reference61
BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 1215
BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 97
BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 10.13
BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 73
BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 16.21
BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 10.31
BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 7.41
BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 7, 161
BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 61
BWF Laws of Badminton 2027 (player's view), Law 31
BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 21
BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 11
BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 41
BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 81
BWF Coaches' Manual L1, Module 111