How do you keep score in tennis and why is it done that way?

The scoring system in tennis is unique and can be confusing for beginners. Here's a breakdown of the rules and the rationale behind them:

Basic Scoring:

  • Points are called "games."
  • Each game is worth 15, 30, 40, or advantage.
  • Advantage is when one player has won their previous point and needs only one more point to win the game.
  • If both players are on advantage, it becomes "deuce."
  • To win a deuce, a player must win two consecutive points.

Winning a Set:

  • A set is won by the first player to win six games by a margin of at least two.
  • If the score is tied at 6-6, a tiebreaker is played to determine the winner.

Winning a Match:

  • A match typically consists of best-of-three or best-of-five sets.
  • The player who wins the majority of sets wins the match.

Rationale:

This scoring system was developed to create a game that is:

  • Challenging: The incrementally increasing point values (15, 30, 40) make it difficult for players to close out games or sets quickly.
  • Exciting: The advantage and deuce system creates suspense and intensity at critical moments.
  • Equitable: The margin of two games required to win a set prevents matches from becoming lopsided.
  • Historical: The scoring system has been in use for centuries and has become an integral part of the game's tradition.

Related Questions:

  • What is the highest score in a tennis game? Advantage.
  • What is a "love game"? A game won without the opponent scoring a point.
  • What is the term for the side of the court that the player receiving serve must stand on? Deuce court.
  • What is a "set point"? A point in which the player serving can win the set with the next point.
  • What is the most common score in a tennis match? 6-3.

Related Hot Sale Items:

  • Babolat Pure Aero Racquet
  • Wilson Clash Pro Racquet
  • Dunlop Srixon CV Balls
  • Head Graphene Speed Racquet
  • Yonex VCore Racket
2023 Genuine Pure Aero Rafa Wim Babolat Tennis Backpack 2R 3R Large Capacity Portable Squash Tennis Racquet Bag Unisex Tenis Bag

2023 Genuine Pure Aero Rafa Wim Babolat Tennis Backpack 2R 3R Large Capacity Portable Squash Tennis Racquet Bag Unisex Tenis Bag
$84.04

Professional Babolat Wimbledon Tennis Bag Genuine Pure Aero Rafa Wim Tennis Racquet Backpack Portable Squash Badminton Tenis Bag

Professional Babolat Wimbledon Tennis Bag Genuine Pure Aero Rafa Wim Tennis Racquet Backpack Portable Squash Badminton Tenis Bag
$83.76

Original Professional BABOLAT Tennis Backpack PURE AERO RAFA 1st 2nd Generation Tennis Racquets Bag 3R 6R 12R Squash Tennis Bags

Original Professional BABOLAT Tennis Backpack PURE AERO RAFA 1st 2nd Generation Tennis Racquets Bag 3R 6R 12R Squash Tennis Bags
$79.98

PURE AERO RAFA BABOLAT Backpack Tennis Nadal RAFA 6 12 Tenis Raquete Bag Original Babolat Large Capacity Tennis Racquet Handbag

PURE AERO RAFA BABOLAT Backpack Tennis Nadal RAFA 6 12 Tenis Raquete Bag Original Babolat Large Capacity Tennis Racquet Handbag
$109.88

New Babolat Pure Aero Strike Series Tennis Bag Tim Court Type Yellow Tennis Racquet Backpack 6Pack 12Pack Unisex Padel Tenis Bag

New Babolat Pure Aero Strike Series Tennis Bag Tim Court Type Yellow Tennis Racquet Backpack 6Pack 12Pack Unisex Padel Tenis Bag
$87.98

Pre：What is the most expensive pair of sneakers in your closet right now
Next：Whats the difference between ATP masters and grand slam

^