To retain the Ryder Cup, the defending champion team needs to earn at least 14 points out of the total 28 points available. This means if Europe is the defending champion, they need 14 points to retain the Cup, while the opposing team would need 14.5 points to win it from them. Each match is worth one point, and a total of 28 matches are played over three days in various formats including foursomes, fourballs, and singles matches. Thus, the key to retaining the Ryder Cup is to reach the 14-point threshold as the defending champions. The Challenger must score 14.5 points to claim the Cup from the defenders.