How to Score Tennis: Complete Beginner's Guide to Tennis Scoring
If you're new to tennis, the scoring system can seem confusing at first. Why does it go 15, 30, 40 instead of 1, 2, 3? What is deuce? How do tiebreaks work? This guide explains how to score tennis step by step — from your very first point to a full match.
How to Score Tennis: The Basics
A tennis match is made up of points, games, and sets. You need to win points to win games, games to win sets, and sets to win the match.
Here's the structure at a glance:
- Points → build into games
- Games → build into sets
- Sets → build into a match
Tennis Points: 15, 30, 40
Tennis uses an unusual point system. Each point won moves the score forward like this:
- 0 points = Love
- 1 point = 15
- 2 points = 30
- 3 points = 40
- 4 points = Game (if the opponent is not also at 40)
The server's score is always called first. So "30-15" means the server has 30 and the receiver has 15.
What Is Deuce in Tennis?
When both players reach 40-40, this is called deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.
The first point won after deuce gives that player advantage. If they win the next point, they win the game. If they lose it, the score returns to deuce.
This can repeat indefinitely until one player wins two points in a row.
How to Win a Game in Tennis
To win a game, you must reach 40 and win one more point — while your opponent is below 40. If both players are at deuce, you must win two consecutive points.
The score is announced as the server's score first. "40-30" means the server needs one more point to win the game.
How to Win a Set in Tennis
A set is won by the first player to reach 6 games, with a lead of at least 2 games. So 6-4, 6-3, or 6-0 are all valid set scores.
If the score reaches 6-6, most sets are decided by a tiebreak. The exception is the final set in some Grand Slam tournaments, which uses an advantage set (play continues until one player leads by 2 games).
How Does a Tiebreak Work?
A tiebreak is played when the set score reaches 6-6. It uses regular counting — 1, 2, 3 — not the 15-30-40 system.
The first player to reach 7 points with a 2-point lead wins the tiebreak and the set. If the score reaches 6-6 in the tiebreak, play continues until one player leads by 2.
Serving in a tiebreak alternates differently. The player who was due to serve next serves the first point. Then players alternate every 2 points. Players also switch ends every 6 points.
How to Win a Match in Tennis
Most recreational and club matches are best of 3 sets — the first player to win 2 sets wins the match. Professional men's Grand Slam matches are best of 5 sets.
A typical match score might look like: 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 — meaning the winner won the first set 6-3, lost the second 4-6, and won the third 7-5.
Tennis Scoring: Quick Reference Table
| Situation | Score / Rule |
|---|---|
| No points scored | Love (0) |
| 1 point won | 15 |
| 2 points won | 30 |
| 3 points won | 40 |
| Both players at 40 | Deuce |
| One point ahead after deuce | Advantage |
| Win a game | First to 4 points (win by 2 from deuce) |
| Win a set | First to 6 games (win by 2) |
| Set tied at 6-6 | Tiebreak (first to 7, win by 2) |
| Win a match | Best of 3 or 5 sets |
No-Ad Scoring: A Simpler Alternative
Some recreational leagues and tournaments use no-ad scoring. When the score reaches deuce, the next point wins the game — no advantage needed. The receiver chooses which side to receive on at deuce.
No-ad scoring speeds up matches significantly. It's common in doubles and team formats.
Super Tiebreak (Match Tiebreak)
In some doubles formats and third sets, a super tiebreak (also called a match tiebreak) is used instead of a full third set. The first player or team to reach 10 points with a 2-point lead wins.
This format is used at Wimbledon, the US Open, and many club competitions to keep matches at a manageable length.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Score Tennis
Why does tennis use 15, 30, 40 instead of 1, 2, 3?
The most widely accepted theory is that the scoring system originated from clock faces. Each point moved the hand a quarter turn: 15, 30, 45 (later shortened to 40). The exact origin is debated, but the system has been used since the 16th century.
What does "love" mean in tennis?
"Love" means zero. The most popular theory is that it comes from the French word "l'oeuf" (the egg), referring to the egg-shaped zero. It's used for both game scores (love-15) and set scores (6-love).
What happens if a set goes to 6-6?
In most cases, a tiebreak is played. The first player to reach 7 points with a 2-point lead wins the tiebreak and the set 7-6. In some Grand Slam final sets, play continues without a tiebreak until one player leads by 2 games.
How do you score a doubles match in tennis?
Doubles uses the same scoring system as singles — points, games, sets. The main difference is that both players on a team serve, alternating each game. The serving order is set at the start of each set and must be maintained throughout.
What is a bagel in tennis?
A "bagel" is slang for winning a set 6-0. The zero looks like a bagel. Winning a match 6-0, 6-0 is called a "double bagel" — a rare and dominant result.
