If you’ve ever watched a match and wondered what all those numbers mean, you’re not alone. Tennis scoring can feel weird at first, but once you get the basics it’s as simple as counting up a few steps. Below we break down each part of the score, show you how to handle deuce and tiebreaks, and give you quick tricks to keep track on the fly.
Every game starts at "love" (that’s zero). The first point you win makes the score 15, the second 30, the third 40. If you win a fourth point while your opponent is still at 30 or less, you take the game.
Things get interesting when both players reach 40–40. That’s called "deuce". From deuce, you need to win two points in a row: the first gives you "advantage", the second clinches the game. If your opponent wins the next point, you go back to deuce.
Most beginners forget to reset the count after each game. After a game is over, the next one starts again at love‑love, regardless of the previous score. This reset makes it easy to keep a mental tally.
When a set reaches 6‑6, players usually play a tiebreak. In a standard tiebreak, the first player to reach seven points with at least a two‑point margin wins the set. Points are counted 0, 1, 2… instead of the usual 15‑30‑40 system, so it’s a lot clearer.
If the tiebreak score gets to 6‑6, you keep playing until one side leads by two points. You’ll hear players say things like "7‑5" or "10‑8" – that’s the two‑point gap they needed.
Match formats can vary. Most pro men play best‑of‑five sets, women and most other tours play best‑of‑three. Some local clubs use "short sets" (first to four games) or "no‑ad" scoring (next point after deuce wins the game). Knowing the format before you start helps you calculate how many games you need to win.
Quick tip: write the current set score on a piece of paper or use a phone note. For example, "6‑4, 3‑2" tells you you’re up one game in the second set. That tiny habit stops you from getting lost in the numbers.
Another handy trick is the "score chant" many players use: "love‑15‑30‑40‑game". Saying it out loud keeps your mind on the right order and reduces mistakes during a fast rally.
Remember, the most common mistake is thinking "40‑40" means "40‑all". It’s actually deuce, and you have to win two points in a row to finish the game. Treat deuce as a reset point: you’re back to even, and the next two points decide the outcome.
With these basics, you can watch any match and know exactly what’s happening. Whether you’re at a local court, cheering from the stands, or following a Grand Slam on TV, the score will make sense. Keep the cheat sheet, use the chant, and enjoy the game without the confusion.
Now that you’ve got the core rules down, the next step is to watch a match and track the score yourself. You’ll find that the more you practice, the quicker the numbers become second nature. Happy playing, and enjoy the rhythm of tennis scoring!
Tennis has a weird scoring system, and the '40' in place of what should logically be '45' leaves lots of people scratching their heads. If you've ever sat courtside or watched a match on TV and wondered why tennis points jump from 30 straight to 40, you're not alone. This article digs into the history, explains why '40' stuck, and shares some cool facts and tips that even longtime fans might not know. Get ready to see tennis scoring in a whole new way.
Tennis scores sound weird, especially when 'love' means zero. This article digs into why tennis uses the word 'love' for zero, tracing its roots and exploring what it means for fans and players. Find out how this quirky tradition started, what it tells us about the sport, and how to keep score without getting confused. You'll also get tips for explaining tennis scores to beginners and fun facts you can share at your next match watch party.