When do we change ends, and what breaks are allowed?

Under the 2027 BWF Laws of Badminton (Laws 8 and 16.2), in force from 4 January 2027:

Change of ends

• at the end of the first game;
• at the end of the second game, if there's a third; and
• in the third game, when a side first reaches 8 points.

Intervals

• Up to 60 seconds in each game when the leading score reaches 8 points.
• Up to 120 seconds between the first and second games, and between the second and third.

Otherwise play must be continuous. You can't leave the court outside the intervals without the umpire's permission.

Before 4 January 2027 (21-point games), the change of ends in the third game and the 60-second interval were at 11 points.