What Is a Let or Stroke in Squash?

The quick answer

A let means the rally is replayed. A stroke means a point is awarded to a player, usually because an opponent has prevented a fair opportunity to play a good return. A no-let decision means the player requesting a let does not get a replay and loses that rally. The right decision depends on the specific interference and whether a good return was possible.

When might you get a let?

Imagine you move towards the ball and your opponent is in your path, despite making a genuine effort to clear. If you could have made a good return and the interference prevents fair play, a let may be appropriate. The rally is played again at the same score.

When might you get a stroke?

If an opponent blocks your reasonable swing, or prevents access in circumstances covered by the rules, a stroke may be awarded. If the striker would have made a winning return, a stroke is awarded under the interference rules. A stroke is not automatic whenever two players come close together.

When is it no let?

If you could not have made a good return anyway, made insufficient effort to reach the ball, or created the interference through your own unreasonable movement, a no-let decision may apply. Minimal interference that does not prevent you seeing and reaching the ball to make a good return also results in no let. The official rules set out several detailed situations, so context matters.

Safety comes before the point

Do not swing through another player to prove you could reach the ball. Stop if there is a genuine risk of hitting someone with the racket or ball. Then ask for a let and let the referee make the decision, or agree a fair outcome in a friendly match.

Three questions to ask

Could the player have made a good return? Did the opponent make every effort to clear? Did the interference merely disrupt the shot, or prevent a reasonable swing or a return that would have been a winner? Those questions help explain why apparently similar incidents can have different outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

Does a let give anyone a point?

No. A let normally means replaying the rally.

Does a stroke count as a point?

Yes. A stroke awards the rally to the player receiving it.

Can I demand a let every time someone is in my way?

No. The decision depends on the circumstances and the official interference rules.

For the wider game, read our squash rules for beginners and squash scoring rules. If you are organising a friendly club challenge, personalised Dunlop Competition squash balls can make a memorable prize.

Rules checked against World Squash Singles Rules, September 2025, sections 8.6–8.12: official squash rules.