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Under standard side-out scoring, what is the first server exception at the start of a doubles game?

Only the starting server serves before the first side out.

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  1. Only the starting server serves before first side out ✔
  2. Both partners serve before side out
  3. The receiving team serves first

Why: At the start of each game, the starting server is designated as server 2. When that team loses its first rally, the serve goes straight to the other team.

Huh, didn't know that: Under standard side-out scoring, a doubles game starts with the score call zero, zero, two.

The dad joke
Why did the first server bring a backpack? It was a solo trip.
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References

Answer: Only the starting server serves before first side out. At the start of each game, the starting server is designated as server 2. When that team loses its first rally, the serve goes straight to the other team.

  1. 2026 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook usapickleball.org/docs/rules/USAP-Official-Rulebook.pdf
    only the starting server will serve as a second server before a side out is declared
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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