Tennis Scoring Explained: Points, Games and Sets

If you’ve ever watched a match and felt lost when the announcer said "40‑15, deuce, advantage", you’re not alone. Knowing the scoring basics lets you follow the drama, cheer at the right moments, and even predict who’s likely to win.

The Basics: Points and Games

Each rally gives a player one point. The sequence runs love (zero), 15, 30, 40, then game. When both players reach 40 it’s called deuce. From deuce you need two consecutive points: the first gives you "advantage", the next wins the game. If the opponent wins the next point, score returns to deuce.

Winning a game isn’t just about the last point; you must be two points ahead after reaching 40‑40. That’s why long games can stretch on with repeated deuces – the tension builds with each "advantage" exchange.

From Sets to Tie‑Breaks: Finishing a Match

A set is a collection of games. In most tournaments you need to win six games and be at least two games ahead. So a 6‑4 set ends the set, but a 6‑5 does not – you must either win the next game for 7‑5 or go to a tie‑break at 6‑6.

The tie‑break is a sprint to seven points, again needing a two‑point margin. Players serve alternately after the first point, and the score is written in parentheses, like 7‑6(5) meaning the winner took the tie‑break 7‑5.

Matches are usually best‑of‑three sets (women’s tour, many men’s events) or best‑of‑five sets (Grand Slams for men). The first player to claim the required number of sets wins the match.

Reading a score line becomes easy once you know the parts. "6‑4 3‑6 7‑6(5)" tells you Player A won the first set, lost the second, and clinched the third in a tie‑break 7‑5. Each number tells a story of momentum shifts.

When you watch live, keep an eye on the scoreboard: love‑15‑30‑40, game count, set count, and any tie‑break points. If you notice a deuce, expect a quick volley of "advantage" exchanges – that’s when matches get exciting.

Quick tip: remember that "love" is just zero. It comes from the French word "l’ouève" meaning "the egg", a round shape like zero. This little fact can help you stay relaxed when a player is down 0‑15.

Understanding tennis scoring turns a confusing chant into a clear narrative. You’ll know when a player is on the brink of breaking serve, when a set is slipping away, and when a match could go the distance. So next time you tune in, you’ll be the one explaining the score to your friends.