Most pickleball games play to 11 points, win by 2; some go to 15 or 21.
If you have ever wondered what do you play to in pickleball, you are in the right place. I coach and play several times a week, and I will walk you through every format, from casual open play to tournament finals. This guide explains what do you play to in pickleball, why it changes, and how to keep score without stress. Expect clear rules, real examples, and simple tips that help you play smarter.
What “play to” means in pickleball
“Play to” is the target score that ends a game. In standard play, you play to 11 points and must win by 2. This applies to both singles and doubles under the USA Pickleball rules.
If you ask what do you play to in pickleball, the short rule is 11 points, win by 2. Some formats use 15 or 21. Those are common in tournaments, leagues, or special matches. The match format sets that number before you start.
Standard scoring: Games to 11, win by 2
Most everyday games are to 11, win by 2. Only the serving team can score in traditional side-out scoring. The serve starts on the right and switches sides on each point. When a side loses the rally while serving, a side out happens and the other team serves.
In doubles, the score is called as server score, receiver score, server number. For example, 6-4-2 means the serving team has 6, the receiving team has 4, and server 2 is serving. What do you play to in pickleball during open play at parks or clubs? Almost always 11 points, win by 2.
If you want a quick, fair game, 11 by 2 works best. It keeps games short and allows groups to rotate.
When you play to 15 or 21
You may see games to 15 or 21 in tournaments, ladders, or league playoffs. These longer games help reduce random swings and reward steady play. You still must win by 2 in formal events.
Common formats I see:
- Best two of three games to 11, win by 2. This is the go-to for many tournaments.
- Backdraw or consolation games to 15, win by 2. Faster, but still fair.
- One game to 21, win by 2. Used in some leagues and playoffs.
So, what do you play to in pickleball at a tournament? Expect two of three to 11 in the main draw, and often one to 15 in the backdraw. Some events use to 21 for time control.
Singles vs doubles: Does the target change?
Singles uses the same targets. You still play to 11, win by 2 in most games. The difference is how you call the score and how you serve. In singles, you serve from the right on even scores and from the left on odd scores.
What do you play to in pickleball when you switch from doubles to singles at open play? Usually the same, 11, win by 2. Your group might change it if courts are busy or players are waiting.
Rally scoring vs traditional side-out scoring
Traditional side-out scoring is the standard. Only the serving team scores. Many leagues and clinics test rally scoring to speed games up. In rally scoring, every rally is a point. A common rally format is to 15 or 21, win by 2.
Pro team events have used rally scoring to 21 with a late-game freeze. That means near the end, you can only score on serve. Most public courts still use side-out scoring. What do you play to in pickleball if a league says rally scoring? Follow the posted format, often 21 by 2.
Win-by-two and tiebreakers explained
Win-by-two is the safety net. If the score is 10-10 in an 11-point game, you keep playing until one team leads by two. The same rule holds at 14-14 in a game to 15, or 20-20 in a game to 21.
In casual play, some groups use a hard cap to keep things moving. For example, play to 11, cap at 13. In tournaments, there is no cap. What do you play to in pickleball when you hit a tie at game point? You still play on until someone leads by two, unless your group set a cap before the game.
Real-world examples: Common settings and target scores
Here is how I set it up for my players and local groups:
- Open play rotation. One game to 11, win by 2. Quick turnarounds keep it fun.
- Skills clinics. Short games to 7 for drills, then to 11 for live play.
- Ladder league night. One game to 15, win by 2, or two games to 11. Depends on court time.
- Club round robin. Four games to 11, win by 2. Partners and courts rotate each round.
- Tournament main draw. Best two of three to 11, win by 2. Backdraw to 15, win by 2.
If you want to settle a bet on what do you play to in pickleball, ask the organizer. They will have the format listed.
How to keep score without getting lost
Keeping track can be tricky. These simple habits help:
- Call the score before every serve. Say it loud and clear.
- In doubles, remember server number by starting on the right as server 1.
- Use a mental anchor. The serving team’s score is always first.
- For clinics, I hand out small clickers. They work wonders.
- Confirm at changeovers. Ask, we have 8, you have 7, server 2, right?
If you forget mid-rally, play on, then agree on the last known score. What do you play to in pickleball matters less than everyone trusting the count.
Common mistakes and my fixes
These are the errors I see most, and how I coach around them:
- Mixing up server numbers. Fix it by always starting server 1 on the right to open each new serve.
- Not winning by two. State win by two before the first serve. Write it on the whiteboard if needed.
- Using the wrong target. Confirm at the baseline. Ask, are we to 11 or 15 today?
- Calling the score too soft. Project your voice and face the court. It avoids disputes.
- Confusing rally and side-out scoring. If every rally is a point, you are in rally scoring. If not, it is side-out.
When new players ask me what do you play to in pickleball, I answer, it depends on the format, then I set the score target out loud so no one is guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions of what do you play to in pickleball
What do you play to in pickleball in most public games?
Most public games are to 11 points, win by 2. That keeps play fast and smooth for rotations.
What do you play to in pickleball during tournaments?
Many events use best two of three games to 11, win by 2. Consolation rounds often switch to one game to 15, win by 2.
What do you play to in pickleball when using rally scoring?
Leagues that use rally scoring often go to 15 or 21, win by 2. Ask the organizer for the exact setup.
What do you play to in pickleball for singles vs doubles?
Both use the same targets, usually to 11, win by 2. The serving pattern changes, but the goal score does not.
Do you always have to win by two?
In formal play, yes. In social games, your group might allow a hard cap, like first to 11 with a cap at 13.
What if we forget the score?
Pause and agree on the last point both sides remember. Reconstruct if needed, then keep calling the score before each serve.
Can kids or beginners play to a lower number?
Yes. Games to 7 or 9 work well for drills and new players. Shorter games keep energy high and focus tight.
Conclusion
Now you know what do you play to in pickleball in every setting, from open play to league nights to tournament finals. Most games go to 11, win by 2, with 15 or 21 used for longer formats and rally scoring in some leagues.
Pick one format, say it before the first serve, and stick to it. Try these tips in your next game, and watch the flow improve. Want more guides like this? Subscribe, share your questions in the comments, and keep learning with us.