Golden Point vs Silver Point in Padel: Rules, Differences & Strategy
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Rules & Strategy
Golden Point vs Silver Point in Padel
Two words you’ll hear at deuce: golden and silver. This guide explains the rules, key differences, who uses each format, and the simple tactics that help you win more deciding points.
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Golden point: the no-advantage rule
Golden point (also called Punto de Oro) is a no-advantage system. At 40–40 the game is decided by one point. The receiving pair chooses the side—deuce or ad—and must keep those positions for that point. In mixed matches, the receiver must match the server’s gender. Win the point, win the game.
Silver point: one advantage, then sudden death
Silver point is a competition policy adopted by some clubs and leagues. From 40–40, you play one normal advantage. If it returns to deuce, the next point is a golden point. It balances match flow and timekeeping.
Golden vs Silver Point in Padel: Quick Comparison Table
| Format | How deuce is decided | Who chooses receiving side? | Typical use | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden point | Single deciding point at first deuce | Receiving pair chooses (deuce/ad) | FIP events; many pro & amateur leagues | Faster sets; more drama; evens service advantage | High pressure; one error ends the game |
| Silver point | Play one advantage; second deuce is golden | On the golden point, receivers choose | Club nights & local leagues | Balances fairness and speed | Slightly more complex; varies by organiser |
| Full advantage | Win two in a row from deuce | N/A | Traditional format | More rallies at key moments | Longer games; schedule overruns |
Which padel format should you choose?
Short sessions (60–75 min): choose golden or silver to finish on time. Longer bookings (90+ min): full advantage is fine, or use silver for balance. For tournaments & ladders, golden (or silver) keeps matches moving and adds spectator-friendly pressure moments.
Tactics to win deciding points
- Receiving side selection: choose the returner most comfortable under pressure vs that server. If their favourite serve targets your backhand glass, pick the opposite court to break the pattern.
- First-ball plan: agree a simple pre-call (“deep middle, then lob”). At 40–40, simplicity beats improvisation.
- Serve to jam: hit body/tee serves that force neutral returns and set up a controllable first volley.
- Own the net fast: golden points skew to the pair who controls the first volley. Serve and step; chip-charge on floaty serves.
- Tempo: take your 15–20 seconds. Breathe, visualise two shots, commit.
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FAQ
➕Is golden point official?
Yes—golden point is an official FIP scoring method. At 40–40 a single deciding point is played; the receiving pair chooses the side. In mixed matches, the receiver must match the server’s gender.
➕Is silver point official?
Silver point isn’t a universal law in the FIP rulebook; it’s a club/league policy: one advantage from deuce, then golden point on the next deuce.
➕Who chooses the side on a golden point?
The receiving pair selects the deuce or ad court and must keep those positions for that point.
➕Which format is more “fair”?
Golden point reduces server dominance and speeds up play. Silver point softens the sudden-death impact while preventing marathon games.
