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Tennis scoring builds from points to games, games to sets, and sets to a match. In a standard game, points are called love, 15, 30 and 40; at 40–40, called deuce, advantage scoring requires a player to win two points in a row. A set usually goes to the first player or team to win six games with a two-game lead. At 6–6, a tiebreak decides the set only when that event uses a tiebreak-set format. Match length and deciding-set rules vary by competition, so the event regulations determine which format applies.
How tennis scoring works, from points to a match
The scoring hierarchy is straightforward: points win games, games win sets, and the required number of sets wins the match. A match can be best of three sets, meaning the first to win two sets takes it, or best of five, meaning the first to win three. Competitions may also use approved shortened formats or a match tiebreak instead of a full deciding set. The International Tennis Federation’s 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rules 5–7, set out the standard options; tournament regulations say which one is in force.
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How points are counted in a game
In a standard game, the server’s score is announced first. Zero is called “love,” followed by 15, 30 and 40. The score names describe the progression, not the number of points: 15 means one point, 30 means two, and 40 means three.
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|---|---|
| 0 | Love |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 30 |
| 3 | 40 |
| 4 or more | Game, if the player is two points ahead |
Deuce and advantage scoring
If both players or teams reach three points, the score is deuce. Under advantage scoring, the next point gives its winner “advantage.” That player must win one more point to take the game. If the opponent wins the next point instead, the score returns to deuce. So, after deuce, a player needs to win two consecutive points to finish the game.
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For example, if Player A wins a point at deuce, the score becomes advantage A. If A wins the following point, A wins the game; if Player B wins it, the score returns to deuce.
No-ad scoring
In a no-ad game, deuce is followed by a deciding point: whoever wins that point wins the game. The receiving player or team chooses the side from which to receive in the Lawn Tennis Association’s FAST4 description. No-ad scoring is an event or format rule, not the default rule for every match. See the LTA scoring guide for its FAST4 example.
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How a set is won
In the standard set formats, a player or team must win at least six games and lead by two. A score of 6–4 wins the set. At 5–5, one side must win the next two games to take it 7–5. What happens at 6–6 depends on whether the event uses a tiebreak set or an advantage set. The ITF requires the scoring method to be announced in advance, including whether a deciding set is a tiebreak set or an advantage set.
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| Set format | What happens at 6–6? | How the set ends |
|---|---|---|
| Tiebreak set | A set tiebreak is played. | The tiebreak winner takes the set, usually recorded 7–6. |
| Advantage set | Play continues with ordinary games. | A player or team must lead by two games; there is no set tiebreak at 6–6. |
How a set tiebreak works
In the standard set tiebreak, points are numbered zero, 1, 2, 3 and onward rather than called love, 15, 30 and 40. The first player or team to reach seven points with a two-point lead wins the tiebreak and the set. If neither side has a two-point margin at seven, play continues until one does. The ITF states the rule this way: “The first player/team to win seven points wins the ‘Game’ and ‘Set’, provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).” (2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 5(b).)
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A set decided by a tiebreak is normally recorded 7–6. A bracketed number is often used to show the tiebreak loser’s points, but notation conventions can vary; the relevant ITF rule passages do not prescribe one universal bracket notation.
Serving and changing ends in the tiebreak
The player due to serve starts the tiebreak with one point. The opponent then serves two points, after which service alternates in two-point turns. In doubles, the partners’ service rotation follows the established order for that set. Players change ends after every six tiebreak points. These procedures appear in ITF Rules 5(b) and 10 and are also summarized in the USTA scoring guide.
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How many sets are in a tennis match?
There is no single set count for every tennis match. Under the standard match formats in ITF Rule 7, a best-of-three match is won by the first to take two sets; a best-of-five match is won by the first to take three. Approved alternatives can shorten the match or replace a full deciding set with a match tiebreak. The event’s regulations, and sometimes the draw category, determine the format.
Set tiebreak versus match tiebreak
A set tiebreak resolves a set, typically when the games reach 6–6 in a tiebreak set. A match tiebreak resolves the match, commonly replacing a full final set when the score is one set all in a best-of-three format. The target and conditions depend on the competition rule; in examples below, the match tiebreak is first to 10 points with a two-point margin.
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| Feature | Set tiebreak | Match tiebreak |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Decides a set at 6–6 in a tiebreak set. | Decides the match, often instead of a full deciding set. |
| Example target | First to 7 points, win by 2, under the standard set-tiebreak rule. | First to 10 points, win by 2, where the event rule specifies that format. |
| Result | Winner takes the set. | Winner takes the match. |
Formats can differ even within one tour. The ITF World Tennis Tour FAQ describes these examples: main-draw singles is best of three tiebreak sets with advantage scoring; singles qualifying is best of three with two tiebreak sets and a 10-point match tiebreak at one set all, using advantage scoring; and doubles uses two tiebreak sets followed by a 10-point match tiebreak at one set all, with no-ad scoring. These are tour-specific examples, not a universal rule. Separately, the WTA’s tennis explainer says ATP Tour doubles uses a 10-point match tiebreak instead of a full third set when the match is tied at one set all.
Shortened scoring formats
Shortened formats keep the basic point–game–set structure but change thresholds or scoring rules. FAST4, as described by the LTA, uses sets to four games, a tiebreak at 3–3, no-ad scoring and a 10-point match tiebreak at one set all. The LTA also describes mini-tennis formats for different age groups. These apply in particular settings; they should not be assumed to govern a standard adult match.
What to check before a match
If you need to know how a particular match will be scored, check the event regulations for the draw or division rather than relying on a general description of tennis. The key details are:
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- Game rule: advantage or no-ad at deuce.
- Set length: standard six-game sets or a shortened set.
- Rule at 6–6: set tiebreak or advantage set.
- Tiebreak target: for example, seven points for a standard set tiebreak or 10 for a match tiebreak where specified; both examples require a two-point lead.
- Deciding stage: full final set or match tiebreak in its place.
- Match length: best of three or best of five sets.
- Category: singles, doubles, qualifying, junior or another division, since the rules may differ.
The ITF’s 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rules 5–7 and Appendix VI, define standard scoring and approved alternatives. Its rules and regulations index links the current rules and other official regulations.
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