Squash Scoring Explained: First to 11, Win by 2
Guides
How does squash scoring work? Understand points, games to 11, 10-all, winning by two and best-of-five matches.
The quick answer
Modern singles squash scoring rules use point-a-rally scoring, often shortened to PAR. Whoever wins the rally gets one point, regardless of who served. A game is normally played to 11 points, but you must win by two clear points. Matches are normally best of five games, although best of three is also used.
What happens at 10-all?
At 10-10, nobody can win the game with just one more point. Play continues until someone leads by two: 12-10, 13-11 or 16-14 are all possible winning scores. There is no fixed upper limit in the standard rules. If your friend celebrates at 11-10, tell them to keep playing.
Who serves after each point?
The winner of each rally serves next. When you win a rally as the receiver, you take over the serve and can choose your first service box. While you continue winning rallies and serving, you alternate between service boxes.
How many games make a match?
In a best-of-five match, the first player to win three games wins the match. In a best-of-three match, two games are enough. Agree the format before you start, especially for friendly club matches where court time may be limited.
Example scoreline
Imagine you win the first game 11-7, lose the second 10-12, win the third 11-9 and win the fourth 13-11. You have won the match 3-1. The fourth game needed extra points because neither player led by two at 10-all.
Make it competitive
Try a mini-match starting every game at 8-8. It is a quick way to practise playing under pressure and staying composed at game ball.
Frequently asked questions
Can you win squash 11-10?
No. At 10-all, the winning margin must be at least two points.
Do you score when you are not serving?
Yes. Every rally is worth one point to its winner.
Is squash best of three or five?
The standard match is best of five, but best of three is also permitted.
For the full match basics, read our squash rules for beginners. If interference interrupts a rally, our let vs stroke guide explains the decision. Mark a club mini-match with personalised Dunlop Pro squash balls, checking the product guidance before ordering.
Rules checked against World Squash Singles Rules, September 2025, sections 2 and 5.2–5.3: official squash rules.
