Tennis Scoring Explained: How to Keep
If you’re new to the sport, understanding how tennis scoring works can feel strange at first. But once you see it broken down clearly, scoring becomes easy and enjoyable.
In this guide, you’ll get tennis scoring explained in the simplest way possible — including points, games, sets, match formats, tie-break rules and winning conditions.
If you haven’t yet learned the basic rules of gameplay, start with Tennis Rules for Beginners: Simple Guide to Understand the Game — then return to this article to learn how to keep score tennis confidently.
You can also explore more beginner tennis guides, drills, and scoring help anytime on our main resource hub here → HAC20.com
Tennis Scoring Explained in One Line
You win points to win games, win games to win sets, and win sets to win the entire match.
Step 1 — Understanding Points (15, 30, 40, Game)
Most new players expect 1-2-3-4 scoring, so seeing 15 → 30 → 40 → Game is confusing.
Here is tennis scoring explained simply:
| Points Won | Score Name |
|---|---|
| 0 | Love |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 30 |
| 3 | 40 |
| 4+ | Game (if ahead by 2 points) |
Example point progression:
Step 2 — Deuce & Advantage (Where Beginners Get Confused)
When both players reach 40-40, it’s called Deuce.
From here, you must win by two points.
| Situation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 40-40 | Deuce — tie game |
| Win 1 point | Advantage |
| Win next point again | Game won |
| Lose one | Back to Deuce |
Many matches have long, dramatic deuce battles — especially with evenly matched players.
Step 3 — How Games Become Sets
You know how to count points — now here’s how to keep score tennis sets:
A player needs 6 games with a two-game lead to win a set.
| Set Score | Result |
|---|---|
| 6-4 | Set won |
| 6-5 | Continue playing |
| 7-5 | Set won |
If both reach 6-6, a tie-break is played.
Step 4 — Tie-Break Scoring Explained
Unlike normal games, tie-break scoring uses natural numbers.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| First to 7 points | Must win by 2 |
| Example score | 7-5, 8-6, 10-8 |
This format keeps matches fair, balanced and exciting.
Bonus: Why Tennis Uses 15-30-40 Instead of 1-2-3
Many new players wonder why tennis doesn’t use simple points like 1-2-3-4.
The most common belief is that early scoring was based on a clock face:
first point = 15, second = 30, third = 45. Over time, 45 was shortened to 40
to make score announcements faster and smoother during matches.
Understanding this small piece of history makes learning tennis scoring easier,
because there’s now a story behind the numbers — and it helps players remember them naturally.
If you want to explore official tennis rules beyond beginner level, you can visit the official tennis governing body website here.
Step 5 — How to Score a Match
Beginner & recreational matches are usually best of 3 sets.
Examples of match outcomes:
-
2-0 = Comfortable win
-
2-1 = Close battle
-
1-2 / 0-2 = Opponent wins
Now you have both tennis scoring explained, AND you know exactly how to keep score tennis during real play.
Extra Tips for Practicing Tennis Scoring
The best way to master tennis scoring is to use it in real play. Even casual practice rallies become more valuable when you announce the score out loud, because it trains your memory and match awareness. You can also watch professional matches and try keeping score at home — this is great for beginners who want to build confidence without pressure. Start with short sets like first to 4 games or timed matches, then progress to full sets as you improve. The more you score, the faster everything becomes automatic.
Quick Snapshot to Memorize 📌
Repeat it twice — and it sticks for life.
What You Should Learn Next 👇
Now that you understand tennis scoring explained clearly, your next beginner steps are:
Learn essential rules →
Tennis Rules for Beginners
Learn court behaviour →
Tennis Etiquette: Do’s & Don’ts for Beginners