How to keep score in tennis

Tennis is scored in three layers. Points make a game (15, 30, 40, game), games make a set (the first to 6, 2 clear), and sets make the match, usually best of three. At 6 games all, a tie-break decides the set.

At a glance

• Players: 2 in singles, 4 in doubles

• Who wins: First to 2 sets, or 3 in best of five

• A game: 4 points, 2 clear: 15, 30, 40, game

• A set: 6 games, 2 clear. Tie-break at 6 all

Points in a game

The server's score is always called first, so 30 to 15 means the server is ahead.

From deuce, win two points in a row to win the game. Lose the point after your advantage and it's back to deuce.

Games and sets

The first player to win 6 games wins the set, as long as they're 2 games ahead: 6 to 4 wins it, 6 to 5 doesn't. From 6 to 5, the leader can win the set 7 to 5.

At 6 games all, play a tie-break. The first to 7 points, 2 clear, wins it, and the set goes down as 7 to 6. Tie-break points are counted 1, 2, 3, not 15, 30, 40.

In a tie-break, the player whose turn it is serves the first point. After that, each player serves two points in turn.

The match and the final set

Most matches are best of three sets. Men's singles at the four Grand Slams are best of five.

Since 2022, the Grand Slams have played a 10-point tie-break at 6 all in the final set: the first to 10 points, 2 clear, wins the set and the match.

Some matches, including professional doubles, play a match tie-break instead of a third set: the first to 10 points, 2 clear, wins the match.

Variants that change the score

• No-ad scoring: at deuce, the next point wins the game, and the receiver chooses which side to receive on.

• Short sets: the first to 4 games wins the set, with a tie-break at 4 all.

• Match tie-break: a first to 10 points, 2 clear, in place of the deciding set.

A scoring example

A best-of-three match between Ana and Ben, written as games in each set.

Ana won 6 to 4, 5 to 7, 7 to 6. Ben took the second set from 5 games all by winning the next two. The third set reached 6 all, and Ana won the tie-break 7 points to 5.

One game from that third set, with Ana serving: 15 to 0, 30 to 0, 30 to 15, 40 to 15, 40 to 30, deuce, advantage Ana, game Ana.

Keep score in Tallynight

Tallynight counts tennis in games and sets, not 15, 30 and 40. Call the points out loud as you play, and when a player wins a game, tap + on their tile to add it.

A set goes to 6 games, 2 clear, and at 6 all the tie-break winner takes it 7 to 6: add one game for the tie-break. A new set starts by itself, and the match ends when a player wins two sets.

• Add a game to whoever wins it, and the sets take care of themselves

• Sets won on each player's tile

• Best of three, best of five or one set, and short sets to 4

• Add each pair as a player for doubles

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Questions

What does deuce mean in tennis?

40 all: both players have won 3 points in the game. From deuce, a player has to win two points in a row to take the game.

What is the score after deuce in tennis?

Advantage to whoever wins the next point. If they win the point after that too, they win the game. If not, it's back to deuce.

How does a tie-break work in tennis?

At 6 games all, play to 7 points, 2 clear, counting 1, 2, 3. The winner takes the set 7 to 6.

How many games are in a set of tennis?

The first to 6 games wins the set, 2 clear. That can mean 6 to 4, 7 to 5, or 7 to 6 after a tie-break.

What does love mean in tennis?

Zero. A score of 15 love means the server has won one point and the receiver none.

How do you score tennis doubles?

The same as singles: points, games and sets. Each pair is one side, and the four players take turns serving a whole game each.

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