The padel tie-break and super tie-break, explained
A padel tie-break decides a set that reaches 6–6. Points are counted 1, 2, 3, and the first pair to 7 points with a 2-point lead wins the set 7–6. The next server serves one point from the right, then each player serves two, and the pairs change ends every 6 points. The super tie-break is the longer version, to 10 points, played instead of a third set. Here is how both work under the 2026 FIP rules, with a serving chart and the places you will meet each one.
How a padel tie-break works
A set is won by the first pair to 6 games with a 2-game lead. If it gets to 6–6, the FIP rules switch to a tie-break, also called sudden death. In short:
- Points are called in plain numbers: zero, 1, 2, 3 and so on.
- The first pair to 7 points with a 2-point lead wins. At 6–6 in the tie-break you keep playing until someone is two clear, so 9–7 or 12–10 are possible.
- The winners take the set 7–6. The tie-break counts as the last game of the set.
- The serve rotates 1-2-2: one point for the first server, then two for each player.
- Pairs change ends every 6 points.
The deuce method you chose for the match (advantage, golden point or Star Point) plays no part in the tie-break. Every point is a single point, and nobody chooses a side to receive. The receiving order stays the one fixed for the set.
When is a tie-break played?
- Standard sets: at 6–6 in any set.
- Third set without a tie-break: the FIP rules allow it if agreed beforehand. At 6–6 in the third set you play on until one pair is two games ahead, as in 8–6.
- Mini sets to 4: an FIP alternative. First to 4 games with a 2-game lead, with a tie-break at 4–4.
- FAST4 (LTA, UK): first to 4 games, with a tie-break to 7 at 3–3.
Serving order in the tie-break: 1-2-2
The tie-break keeps the set’s serving order; it just changes how many points each player serves.
- The player whose turn it is to serve starts. They serve one point, from the right.
- The next player in the order, from the other pair, serves the next two points, starting from the left.
- Every player after that serves two points in a row, always starting from the left, until the tie-break ends.
A shortcut for the side: when the total of points played so far is even (0, 2, 4…), serve from the right; when it is odd, serve from the left. Here it is with the set’s order Ana, Marta, Luis, Javi (Ana and Luis are pair A) and Ana due to serve at 6–6:
| Tie-break points | Server | Sides | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ana | Right | One point only |
| 2–3 | Marta | Left, right | |
| 4–5 | Luis | Left, right | |
| 6–7 | Javi | Left, right | Change ends after point 6 |
| 8–9 | Ana | Left, right | |
| 10–11 | Marta | Left, right | |
| 12–13 | Luis | Left, right | Change ends after point 12 |
The 1-2-2 pattern keeps it fair: after every even number of points, both pairs have served the same number of times.
Changing ends every 6 points
During the tie-break the pairs change ends after every 6 points: after the 6th, 12th, 18th and so on. Count total points, not one pair’s score, so 4–2 and 3–3 are both change-of-ends moments. The change is quick: no rest break, just the 20 seconds the rules allow, instead of the 90 seconds of a normal change of ends.
If you forget, correct it as soon as someone notices. Points already played stand. If a first serve has already been faulted when you notice, the server has one serve left.
Ends in the next set follow the usual rule: change whenever the total of games played in the set is odd. Since the set has just ended 7–6 (13 games), there is a change of ends before the next set starts.
Who serves after the tie-break
The next set is started by a player from the pair that did not serve first in the tie-break. In the example above Ana served first, so pair B (Marta and Javi) serves the first game of the next set. As at the start of every set, they choose which of them serves, and both pairs can rearrange their serving and receiving order.
Calling the score in a tie-break
- Use numbers: “3–2”, not 15-30.
- Most players call the server’s score first, as in normal games. Because the server changes every two points, say the score clearly after each point.
- Name the server at each change (“Luis, two from the left”) so nobody serves out of turn.
The free score keeper applies these rules for you: at 6–6 it switches to point counting, keeps the 1-2-2 serving rotation and handles the super tie-break too.
The super tie-break to 10
The super tie-break, also called a match tie-break, is an FIP alternative to a full third set. At one set all, instead of a third set, the pairs play a tie-break to 10 points with a 2-point lead. Whoever wins it wins the match. A typical result reads 6–4, 3–6, 10–7.
The FIP rulebook defines only the target and the fact that it replaces the third set. It does not spell out serving or ends separately. In practice it is played exactly like a normal tie-break: the pair due to serve next starts with one point from the right, then two points each, and ends change every 6 points. If your event has its own regulations, they decide.
The FIP also allows a shorter deciding tie-break to 7, played the same way. It is rarer but useful when court time is very tight.
| Tie-break | Super tie-break | |
|---|---|---|
| When | 6–6 in a set | One set all, instead of the third set |
| Target | 7 points, 2 clear | 10 points, 2 clear |
| What it wins | The set, 7–6 | The match |
| Serving | 1, then 2 each | 1, then 2 each (by convention) |
| Change of ends | Every 6 points | Every 6 points (by convention) |
Agree the format before the first serve: full third set, super tie-break or no tie-break in the third. Changing it at one set all is the classic club argument.
Where each format is used
| Format | Deciding set | Where you meet it |
|---|---|---|
| FIP standard | Full third set, tie-break at 6–6 | The default in the FIP rules unless the event says otherwise |
| Third set without tie-break | Play on to a 2-game lead | Only if agreed beforehand |
| Two tie-break sets + match tie-break | Super tie-break to 10 | LTA Grades 1–2 (UK); many amateur tournaments and leagues |
| FAST4 | Match tie-break to 10 at one set all | LTA Grades 3–4 |
| One tie-break set | None | LTA Grade 5 local events |
The super tie-break suits fixed court bookings: it swaps a full third set for a short burst of high-stakes points. That is why it is so common in amateur tournaments and club leagues. In friendly matches, play whatever the four of you agree.
Tie-breaks in Americano and Mexicano nights
Americano and Mexicano rounds have no games or sets, so there is no tie-break inside a round. With a fixed total such as 24 points, the two scores always add up to 24, and 12–12 is a draw that both pairs keep. With first-to-N or timed rounds, the organiser decides what happens at the end; some clubs play one last deciding point.
What Americanos do need is a tiebreaker for the standings, for when two players finish on the same points. Common chains are wins, then head-to-head, then a single deciding point on court. Announce it before round one. The full set-up is in how to organise an Americano.
Common tie-break mistakes
- Serving two points first. The first server serves only one point.
- Starting the two-point turns from the right. Each pair of points starts from the left.
- Changing ends at 6 points for one pair. It is 6 points in total.
- Stopping at 7–6. You need a 2-point lead.
- The same pair starting the next set. The pair that received first in the tie-break serves first in the new set.
For the rest of the scoring, from 15-30-40 to golden point and Star Point, see the padel scoring guide. For the serve itself, see the padel serve rules.
Frequently asked questions
How does a tie-break work in padel?
At 6–6 in a set, points are counted 1, 2, 3 instead of 15-30-40. The first pair to 7 points with a 2-point lead wins the tie-break and the set, which is recorded as 7–6.
Who serves first in a padel tie-break?
The player whose turn it is in the set’s serving order. They serve one point from the right. After that each player serves two points in the same order, starting from the left.
When do you change ends in a padel tie-break?
Every 6 points: after the 6th, 12th, 18th point and so on. There is no rest break: the rules allow 20 seconds for the change.
What is a super tie-break in padel?
A tie-break to 10 points, with a 2-point lead, played at one set all instead of a third set. The winner of the super tie-break wins the match.
Who serves first in the set after a tie-break?
A player from the pair that did not serve first in the tie-break. That pair then chooses which partner serves, as at the start of any set.
Do Americanos use tie-breaks?
Not inside a round. An Americano round is a points race, such as 24 points in total, so 12–12 is simply a draw. Americanos use tiebreakers in the standings instead, such as wins and head-to-head.
Sources
- FIP — Rules of Padel (review of application 01.01.2026): Rule 1 tie-break, alternative score methods, Rule 5
- FIP — Reglas del Pádel (rev. 01.01.2026): muerte súbita o tie-break (Spanish text)
- LTA Padel — Competition Referee and Organiser Guide 2026 (scoring formats by grade, FAST4)
- All for Padel — The rules of the padel tie-break
- padelcompass — Americano padel rules (24 points, draws)