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Tennis looks simple on TV, but the scoring can feel like its own language the first time you play or watch. The good news is that once you learn a few core ideas—points, games, sets, and tie-breaks—everything starts to make sense. This guide breaks the whole system into clear steps, explains why the numbers sound unusual, shows how tie-breaks work, and covers the small rules that often cause confusion. Read straight through or jump to the parts you need, and by the end you will be able to follow any match with confidence.
The Building Blocks of Tennis Scoring
Points within a Game: Love, 15, 30, 40
Each rally earns a point for the player who wins it. The unique part is how tennis names those points. Zero is “love,” then 15, 30, and 40. If the player leading at 40 wins one more point and is ahead by two, they win the game. The server always says the score first, so “30–15” means the server has two points and the receiver has one. It looks unusual, but you will hear it so often that it quickly becomes natural.
Why 15, 30, 40 and Not 45?
The exact origin is debated, but many historians point to medieval French clocks or coin values used to count points. The jump from 30 to 40 instead of 45 is most likely a simplification that stuck over centuries. What matters for you as a beginner is not the history but the pattern itself: love, 15, 30, 40, and then game if the leader wins the next point by a two-point margin.
Deuce and Advantage Explained
When both players reach 40–40, the score is called “deuce.” From deuce, a player must win two points in a row to take the game. One point after deuce is called “advantage” (often “ad”). If the server wins that point, it is “ad-in.” If the receiver wins that point, it is “ad-out.” If the player with advantage loses the next point, the score returns to deuce. Games can swing back and forth like this for many points, creating long, tense battles.
How a Game Is Won
To win a standard game, you need at least four points and a two-point lead. That can happen at 40–0, 40–15, or even after many deuces. If no one can pull away by two, the game continues until someone does. This two-point rule is a big reason tennis feels dramatic. It protects a trailing player from losing on a single lucky shot and rewards the player who can sustain better play over several points under pressure.
Common Phrases and Announcements in a Game
The server announces the score before every point. Typical phrases include “love-all” at the start of a game, “15–love” or “love–15,” and “30–all” for 30–30. At 40–40, the server says “deuce.” After deuce, you will hear “advantage server” or “advantage receiver.” If you are playing without an umpire, saying the score clearly before serving helps both players stay on the same page and prevents disagreements.
From Games to Sets
The Standard Set to Six
Sets are made of games. In most matches, the first player to six games wins the set, as long as they are ahead by two games. A typical set score might be 6–3 or 6–4. Each game begins with one player serving the whole game, and then the serve switches for the next game. Because serve can be an advantage, many sets are decided by a few key games where one player “breaks serve.”
Winning by Two Games
Tennis keeps the “win by two” idea at the set level. If both players reach five games, the score is 5–5. Someone must win 7–5 or reach 6–6 and play a tie-break. This cushion prevents a set from being decided by one sudden swing and encourages a sustained edge in performance. You will often hear commentators say a player “consolidated the break” after winning the game following a break of serve, building the two-game gap needed to close the set.
When a Set Reaches 6–6
At 6–6, most competitions use a tie-break to decide the set quickly and fairly. The tie-break is a separate series of points with its own order of serving. The winner of the tie-break wins the set 7–6. You will see this written on scoreboards and match summaries with a number in parentheses, like 7–6(5), showing the tie-break score inside the set score.
The Tie-break, Step by Step
Starting a 7-Point Tie-break
In a standard set tie-break (often called a “7-point” tie-break), the first player to reach seven points with a two-point lead wins. If it reaches 6–6 in the tie-break, they keep playing until someone leads by two. The player whose turn it is to serve next in the set serves the first point of the tie-break from the right (deuce) side. After that single point, the serve switches to the opponent for two points, and then they alternate two serves at a time.
Serve Rotation and Changing Ends in a Tie-break
Here is the pattern: Player A serves one point from the right side. Player B then serves two points, left side then right. After that, Player A serves two, and so on. Players switch ends of the court after every six points in the tie-break (at 3–3, 6–6, 9–9, and so on). This avoids wind or sun giving one side an unfair advantage for too long. When the next set begins, the player who served first in the tie-break receives in the first game of the new set.
How to Call the Score in a Tie-break
Unlike regular games, tie-break points are counted 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on. Players or the umpire usually say the score with the server’s number first, such as “3–2.” If you are playing without an umpire, it is helpful to repeat the full context at a changeover like “Set tie-break, I lead 4–3.” Many players also use the term “mini-break” to describe winning a point when the opponent is serving in the tie-break, but that is just slang and does not affect the rules.
Recording a Tie-break on the Scoreline
When a set is decided by a tie-break, it is listed as 7–6 with the tie-break score in parentheses. For example, 7–6(5) means the tie-break ended 7–5. If the set score reads 6–7(8), the player lost the set in a tie-break, 6–7, with an 8–10 tie-break score. This small detail helps you understand how close the set was. A 7–6(8) tells you it took many extra points to settle the tie-break.
Matches and Formats
Best-of-Three vs Best-of-Five
Most tennis matches are best-of-three sets: the first player to win two sets wins the match. At some events—most famously men’s singles at the Grand Slams—matches are best-of-five sets, so the first to three sets wins. Junior events, many amateur leagues, and most professional women’s events use best-of-three. Understanding the match length helps you plan your energy; a fast start matters more in shorter formats, while best-of-five rewards stamina and patience.
Deciding Set Rules at the Majors
In the past, each Grand Slam had different rules for the final set. As of 2022, the Grand Slams use a consistent system: if the deciding set reaches 6–6, they play a 10-point tie-break, and you must win by two. This longer tie-break adds a little more breathing room to settle the match. Outside the majors, many events still use a standard 7-point tie-break at 6–6 in the final set, so check the event rules when you play or watch.
Match Tie-break to 10 (Super Tie-break)
In some competitions, especially doubles and recreational play, a full third set is replaced by a “match tie-break” to 10 points, win by two. Serving order follows the same pattern as a 7-point tie-break: one serve to start, then two serves each, switching ends every six points. This format keeps matches on schedule while preserving the “win by two” tension. It is often called a “super tie-break,” but the official term you will see in draws is “match tie-break.”
No-Ad Scoring and Short Formats
Some leagues and tournaments use “no-ad” scoring to speed up play. In no-ad games, the first player to win four points wins the game, and at 40–40 there is one deciding point instead of advantage. In singles, the receiver chooses the side to return from; in doubles, the receiving team chooses which partner will return. Other fast formats use “short sets” to four games with a tie-break at 3–3. Always check the event rules so you know whether you are playing traditional or modified scoring.
Serving, Sides, and Order
Who Serves First and When It Changes
Before a match, players usually spin a racket or toss a coin. The winner chooses to serve, receive, pick a side, or defer the choice. Once play starts, one player serves the entire first game, the opponent serves the second, and they alternate games throughout the set. In the next set, the player who did not serve first in the previous set will serve first, unless the previous set ended with a tie-break, in which case the player who served first in the tie-break receives to start the next set.
Changing Ends of the Court
Players switch ends after the first game and then after every odd-numbered game in the set (for example, after games 1, 3, 5, and so on). This pattern evens out the effects of wind, sun, and court irregularities. In a tie-break, players change ends after every six points. Efficiently using changeovers—towel off, hydrate, and mentally reset—can steady your performance and help keep the score straight.
The Let, Faults, and Double Faults
On a serve, the ball must land in the correct service box. A miss is a fault, and the server gets a second try. If both serves miss, it is a double fault and the receiver wins the point. If the serve hits the net but still lands in, it is a “let” and is replayed without penalty. Most adult and pro events replay lets on serve, though some formats—such as college tennis or certain experimental events—use a “no-let” rule where the ball stays live.
How a Break of Serve Shows in the Score
When the receiver wins a game against serve, it is called a “break.” On a scoreboard, a break appears as a game win for the player who was not serving. If Player A serves first and the score becomes 3–1 to Player B, you can infer Player B probably broke serve in game two or four and then held serve. Breaks usually decide sets because holding serve tends to be easier than breaking it.
Doubles Specifics
Order of Serve and Receive in Doubles
In doubles, each team chooses its serving order at the start of each set, and that order stays the same throughout the set. For example, if Team AB serves first, Player A might serve game one, Player C from Team CD serves game two, Player B serves game three, and Player D serves game four, then back to Player A. The receiving order also stays fixed within each set, with partners alternating who receives on the deuce and ad sides.
The Deciding Point in Doubles
Many doubles matches use no-ad scoring. At deuce, there is one deciding point. The receiving team chooses which player will return that point, and the serving team must serve to that chosen side. The winner of the deciding point wins the game. This rule adds quick-fire pressure and keeps doubles moving at a faster pace, which helps tournaments run on time and makes matches more TV-friendly.
Match Tie-break in Doubles
Instead of a full third set, professional doubles often uses a match tie-break to 10, win by two. Serve rotation follows the set’s serving order, continuing the pattern so each player serves in turn. As in all tie-breaks, players switch ends every six points. Because the match tie-break decides the entire match, momentum swings are common, and careful communication between partners matters as much as shot-making.
Reading and Writing Tennis Scores
Basic Scorelines and What They Mean
A finished match is listed by sets. For example, 6–3, 6–4 means the winner took two straight sets in a best-of-three match. In best-of-five, you might see 6–4, 3–6, 6–2, 6–4, which indicates four sets played and the winner earning three sets. The numbers always represent games won in each set. If a set goes to a tie-break, that set will read 7–6 with the tie-break score in parentheses.
Understanding Tie-break Numbers in Parentheses
A set shown as 7–6(5) tells you the winner took the tie-break 7–5. If the set reads 6–7(8), the player lost the set after an extended tie-break, likely 8–10. For a match tie-break used instead of a third set, scorelines are often noted with a bracket or with “TB10” in some listings, such as 6–3, 4–6, [10–7], or 6–3, 4–6, 1–0 with the tie-break points specified elsewhere. The key is that parentheses always refer to a tie-break inside that set.
Walkovers, Retirements, and Defaults
Sometimes a match ends early or does not start. A “walkover” (WO) means a player could not start, and the opponent advances without hitting a ball. “Retired” (ret.) means a player stopped mid-match due to injury or another reason; the score is recorded up to the last completed game with “ret.” noted. A “default” is a disqualification for code violations. These terms appear on draws and results but do not change how regular scoring works when the match is played.
Common Situations and Examples
Example: A Game with Deuce and Advantage
Imagine a game where the server races to 40–15 but then hits two errors, making it 40–40 (deuce). The server wins the next rally with a strong first serve: advantage server. On the following point, the receiver returns aggressively and wins: back to deuce. The server then claims two points in a row to take the game. This mini-drama shows why deuce matters. Even at 40–15, the game is not over until someone wins by two in a row at the end.
Example: A Set Decided by a Tie-break
Suppose the set is on serve to 6–6. In the tie-break, Player A serves first and leads 3–2 when they change ends at 3–3. After a few swings, A earns a mini-break to lead 6–4. A then serves and wins the next point to reach 7–4, taking the tie-break and the set 7–6(4). When the next set starts, because Player A served first in the tie-break, Player B serves the first game of the new set. That last detail often surprises newcomers.
Example: A Match Tie-break to Decide the Match
In a doubles match tied at one set each, the teams play a match tie-break to 10 points. Team AB leads 6–3 at the first change of ends. Team CD fights back to 8–8. AB wins a quick rally and then serves an ace for 10–8. The final score is recorded as 6–4, 4–6, [10–8]. Even though the third “set” is not a full set, the match tie-break is just as decisive and often even more intense.
Tips for Keeping Score as a Player
Announce the Score Before Every Point
Say the score clearly, server’s score first, before you serve. This habit reduces disputes and helps both players reset between points. If you forget the count, ask your opponent to confirm before continuing. Clarity saves time and keeps the match friendly, especially without an umpire.
Use Changeovers to Confirm the Set Score
At each changeover, take a moment to confirm the game score in the set. If there is confusion, retrace the games in simple terms—“You broke at 2–2, then I broke back, then we both held to 4–4”—until you agree. It is easier to fix a small mistake early than a big one later.
Know the Event’s Format Before You Start
Ask the organizer or read the posted rules. Are you playing no-ad, short sets, or a match tie-break instead of a third set? Do they use let serves or no-let? Knowing the format changes how you manage risk. For example, at no-ad deuce, consider serving to the opponent’s weaker side, and in a match tie-break, be ready for fast momentum swings.
Deeper Details That New Fans Appreciate
Why the Server’s Score Is Always First
Calling the server’s score first helps track who is serving, which matters because serve is a built-in advantage. If you tune into a match mid-game and hear “15–30,” you immediately know the server trails. This convention also pairs the score with the procedure: the server owns the pace between points and the responsibility to announce the score.
How Momentum Hides Inside the Numbers
A 6–4 set can look routine, but if the only break came in a marathon deuce game early on, the rest might have been razor-close. Tie-break scores tell similar stories. A 7–6(0) is a shutout in the tie-break, while 7–6(8) means both players had multiple chances. Once you know the code, the numbers reveal the pressure points that shaped the match.
Weather, Sun, and Why Ends Matter
Switching ends regularly keeps play fair in wind or sun. On a blindingly sunny day, one baseline might be far tougher to serve from. In a tie-break, switching at 3–3 and every six points ensures neither player holds that disadvantage for long. If you are new to outdoor tennis, notice how the ball drifts with the wind and how shadows change your timing, especially on serve.
Beginner Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Mixing Up 40–40 and 30–30
Many new players call 30–30 “deuce,” but deuce applies only at 40–40. Keep it straight by remembering that deuce is the next step after both players reach 40. At 30–30, there is still space for each player to win two straight points and end the game without reaching deuce.
Forgetting Who Serves First After a Tie-break
A tie-break counts as one game for serve rotation. The player who served first in the tie-break will receive in the next set’s first game. If you forget, ask yourself who served that very first tie-break point; that player receives to start the new set. This little rule is easy to overlook in the excitement of closing a set.
Calling the Score Too Quietly
Mutual understanding prevents arguments. Say the score clearly and loudly enough for your opponent to hear, especially in windy conditions or on busy courts. If a dispute happens, pause, discuss calmly, and if needed, replay a point. Good etiquette keeps rec tennis fun and fair.
Quick Guide to Tie-break and Match Tie-break Strategy Basics
Playing a Standard Tie-break
Tie-breaks reward focus and first-strike tennis. Make a high percentage of first serves, target big but safe margins, and avoid low-percentage shots early. Because you switch ends at 3–3, be prepared to adjust your targets if wind or sun changes the feel. If you gain a lead, think in pairs of points to protect your advantage when you have the two-serve turns.
Approach to a 10-Point Match Tie-break
A match tie-break is long enough for swings but short enough that one flat stretch can decide it. Start with simple patterns that you trust, communicate clearly with your partner in doubles, and treat every return as a chance to apply pressure. At 8–8 or later, pick your highest percentage play on serve and return; winning two solid points beats going for a hero shot.
Putting It All Together
A Full Match Walkthrough
Imagine a best-of-three singles match. Player A serves first and holds to 1–0. Both players hold until 4–4, when Player B earns a break after two deuces and then serves out the set, 6–4. In set two, A breaks early, consolidates for 3–0, and keeps the lead to 6–3. In the deciding set, both protect serve, reach 6–6, and play a 10-point tie-break per event rules. A jumps to 5–2, B levels to 7–7, but A lands two first serves and closes 10–8. The score reads 4–6, 6–3, 1–0 with [10–8] noted, or simply 4–6, 6–3, [10–8].
Conclusion
Tennis scoring looks unusual at first, but it follows a few steady ideas. Points build to games, games build to sets, and sets decide the match. The “win by two” rule powers the drama at every level, and tie-breaks settle deadlocks in a fair, exciting way. With this guide, you can track any match and step on court knowing how to keep score, when to switch ends, and what to expect when tension rises at deuce or 6–6. Master the basics, and the sport’s rhythm and stories will come alive every time you play or watch.