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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/vb-win-by-two

A volleyball set is tied 24 to 24. What happens next?

Play goes on until one team leads by two, like 26 to 24.

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  1. Next point wins
  2. Play goes on until someone leads by two ✔
  3. The set is replayed

Why: There is no sudden death at 24 to 24. Teams keep playing until one is ahead by two points, so a set can end 26 to 24, 27 to 25, or even higher.

Huh, didn't know that: There is no cap, so long sets like 35 to 33 do happen.

The dad joke
Why do volleyball sets never end in a tie? Because two is company.
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References

Answer: Play goes on until someone leads by two. There is no sudden death at 24 to 24. Teams keep playing until one is ahead by two points, so a set can end 26 to 24, 27 to 25, or even higher.

  1. FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rule 6.2 www.fivb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FIVB-Volleyball_Rules2025_2028-EN-v05.pdf
    In the case of a 24-24 tie, play is continued until a two-point lead is achieved (26-24; 27-25; etc.).
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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