Rules
Squash scoring and safety, simply explained.
Understand the aim, a valid return, games to 11 and why stopping safely matters.
In short
Win a rally by making a valid return your opponent cannot return. Standard singles uses point-a-rally scoring to 11, win by two, usually in a best-of-five match. Never play a shot that risks hitting your opponent.
Reviewed 5 September 2026
Coverage note
This page is an introduction, not a replacement for the current World Squash rules or a referee's decision. Competitions and social sessions may specify different formats.
The basic rally
Serve to begin. Players then take turns striking the ball. A return must reach the front wall above the tin and below the out line, directly or after touching another wall, before the ball bounces twice on the floor.
A rally ends when a player cannot make a valid return, the ball goes out or down, or the referee makes an interference or conduct decision.
How scoring works
- The winner of every rally scores one point and serves next.
- A game is played to 11 points.
- At 10–10, play continues until one player leads by two points.
- A standard match is best of five games; the first player to win three games wins the match.
Serving
Begin with at least part of one foot inside the service box and no part touching its line. The ball must strike the front wall between the service and out lines and, unless volleyed, land in the opposite back quarter.
After winning consecutive rallies, the server alternates service boxes. At a handover, the new server may choose either box.
Clear, stop and ask
The outgoing player must make every effort to give the incoming player a fair view of the ball, direct access to it, room for a reasonable swing and freedom to play to the front wall.
If another player is in the way, do not force the shot. Stop and ask for a let. Depending on the circumstances, the decision may be a let, no let or stroke. Safety takes priority over finishing the rally.
Primary sources
Use these organisations for the current authoritative detail.