Squash PAR-11 scoring rules explained
Squash is scored point-a-rally to 11, known as PAR-11: every rally wins a point, whoever served. It is the system used in professional squash and in most clubs.
Here is how a game, the serve and a match work.
Every rally scores
The winner of each rally scores a point, whether they served or not. The first player to 11 points wins the game.
Win by two
A game must be won by two clear points. At 10-10 play continues until one player leads by two: 12-10, 13-11 and so on, with no cap.
Who serves
The winner of a rally serves the next one. The server keeps serving as long as they win rallies, switching service box after each rally they win. When they lose a rally, the serve passes to the opponent.
Traicker shows who is serving and from which box (R for right, L for left) on every point.
Matches
Matches are usually the best of five games, so the first player to three games wins, or the best of three. Squash has no change of ends.
Traicker also lets you play games to 7, 9, 15 or 21 points, with the same win-by-two rule.
Worked example: a game that goes past 11
Your Team leads 10-8 and needs one more point.
| Score | What happens |
|---|---|
| 10-8 | Game ball to Your Team. |
| 10-9 | Opponents win the rally and take over the serve. |
| 10-10 | Opponents win again. Nobody can win 11-10 now; a two-point lead is needed. |
| 11-10 | Your Team wins the rally and the serve back. |
| 12-10 | Your Team wins the next rally as well and takes the game 12-10. |
In a best-of-five match, the first player to win three games wins the match.
Frequently asked questions
What is PAR-11 scoring in squash?
PAR-11 means point-a-rally to 11: every rally scores a point for its winner, regardless of who served, and the first player to 11 points with a two-point lead wins the game.
Do you have to win by two in squash?
Yes. At 10-10 the game continues until one player is two points ahead, such as 12-10 or 15-13.
Who serves in squash?
Whoever won the last rally. The server switches service box after each rally they win and loses the serve when they lose a rally.
How many games are in a squash match?
Most matches are the best of five games, so the first player to win three games wins. Shorter matches are the best of three.
Do players change sides in squash?
No. Squash has no change of ends; both players share the same court throughout.
Score it on your Apple Watch
Traicker applies these rules for you: one tap per point on your iPhone or Apple Watch, even offline. Scoring is free.