Badminton is played either as a singles or doubles match, with the objective of scoring points by hitting a shuttlecock over a net and landing it in the opponent's court. A match is typically played to the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. Players score points when their opponents fail to return the shuttlecock or hit it out of bounds. The serve must be delivered diagonally, and players must alternate serving and receiving. Additionally, players must not touch the net or invade their opponent's side of the court during play. Understanding these basic rules is essential for both casual and competitive play, as they ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game.