Tennis Rules Explained Simply: Scoring, Sets & Common Questions

Tennis can look complicated when you first watch it. Love, 15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage, games, sets and tie-breaks — there is a lot to keep track of.

The good news? The basic tennis rules are much simpler than they seem.

Whether you’re completely new to tennis, returning to the sport after a few years away, or just want to understand what’s happening during a match, this guide explains the tennis rules in simple terms.

We’ll cover:

• How tennis scoring works

• What “love” means in tennis

• How to win a game

• What deuce and advantage mean

• How tennis sets work

• How tie-breaks work

• How many sets are played in a tennis match

• Singles vs doubles rules

• How serving works

• What counts as in and out

• Common tennis questions answered

• Where to find and book a tennis court near you

How does tennis scoring work?

Tennis has a scoring system that is different from most other sports.

A player needs to win four points to win a game, but they must win by at least two points if the score reaches deuce.

The points in a standard tennis game are counted as:

0 → 15 → 30 → 40 → Game

For example:

So, if a player wins the first three points of a game, the score is 40–0.

If they win the next point, they win the game.

Why is zero called “love” in tennis?

Instead of saying zero, tennis players use the word “love”.

So:

• 0–0 = Love-all

• 15–0 = Fifteen-love

• 30–0 = Thirty-love

• 40–0 = Forty-love

The exact origin of the term “love” is uncertain, although several theories exist. Regardless of where it came from, it is now one of the most recognisable parts of tennis scoring.

What is a game in tennis?

A game is one part of a tennis set.

Players compete for individual points, and those points make up a game.

In a straightforward game, the first player to reach four points wins — provided they are at least two points ahead.

For example:

15–0 → 30–0 → 40–0 → Game

However, things become slightly more complicated at 40–40.

That’s called deuce.

What does deuce mean in tennis?

Deuce means the score is tied at 40–40.

At deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game.

The scoring then works like this:

Deuce → Advantage → Game

For example:

1. Player A wins a point: Advantage Player A

2. Player A wins the next point: Player A wins the game

But if Player B wins the next point while Player A has advantage, the score returns to deuce.

The game continues until one player wins two consecutive points.

What does advantage mean in tennis?

“Advantage” means a player has won one point after deuce.

For example:

40–40 → Advantage Player A

Player A is now one point away from winning the game.

If Player A wins the next point, they win the game.

If Player B wins it, the score goes back to deuce.

How do you win a set in tennis?

A set is made up of games.

Under the standard tie-break set format, the first player to win six games wins the set, provided they have a two-game lead.

For example:

• 6–0 = set won

• 6–2 = set won

• 6–4 = set won

• 6–5 = play continues

If the score reaches 6–6, a tie-break is normally played.

This is one of the most important tennis rules to remember:

Win six games and lead by two, or win the tie-break at 6–6.

Different competitions can use alternative scoring formats, so the exact rules can vary depending on the event.

What is a tie-break in tennis?

A tie-break is used to decide a set when the players reach 6–6 in games under the standard tie-break set format.

Unlike normal tennis scoring, tie-break points are counted using ordinary numbers:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…

The standard tie-break is won by the first player to reach 7 points, provided they have a two-point advantage.

For example:

7–5 = tie-break won

But:

6–6 = keep playing

The tie-break continues until one player has at least seven points and a two-point lead.

The player who wins the tie-break wins the set 7–6.

Does every tennis set go to a tie-break?

No.

A tie-break is normally used when the set reaches 6–6 under the standard tie-break set format, but competition rules can vary.

Some competitions use different tie-break procedures, including match tie-breaks or other approved scoring formats.

For casual tennis, however, the easiest rule to remember is:

6–6 in games → tie-break → first to 7 points by two wins the set.

How many sets are in a tennis match?

The number of sets depends on the competition.

Most tennis matches are played as best of three sets.

That means the first player to win two sets wins the match.

For example:

• Player A wins 6–4, 6–3 → Player A wins 2–0

• Player A wins 6–3, 4–6, 6–2 → Player A wins 2–1

Some men’s Grand Slam matches are traditionally played as best of five sets, meaning a player must win three sets to win the match.

For everyday recreational tennis, best of three sets is a common format.

Tennis scoring explained with an example

Let’s say you’re playing a singles match.

Game 1

You win four points without losing one:

Love–0 → 15–0 → 30–0 → 40–0 → Game

You win the first game.

Game 2

Your opponent wins the first two points, but you then win three:

0–15 → 15–15 → 15–30 → 30–30 → 40–30

Your opponent wins the next point:

40–40 = Deuce

You win the next point:

Advantage

You win again:

Game

You are now 2–0 up in games.

This process continues until someone wins enough games to take the set.

How does serving work in tennis?

Every tennis point begins with a serve.

The server stands behind the baseline and serves diagonally into the opposite service box.

Players get two attempts to make a successful serve.

If the first serve goes into the net or outside the correct service box, the player gets a second serve.

If both attempts are unsuccessful, it is a double fault and the receiver wins the point.

Where does the server stand?

The server changes sides of the court after every point.

The serve alternates between the deuce court and ad court.

The server must serve diagonally into the appropriate service box.

Once the point has finished, the next point begins from the opposite side.

What is a let in tennis?

A let occurs when a serve touches the net but still lands in the correct service box.

In a standard situation, the serve is replayed.

The point itself does not count, and the server gets another opportunity to serve.

What counts as in and out in tennis?

The lines on a tennis court determine whether the ball is in or out.

For most shots during a rally:

If the ball touches the line, it is in.

The ball must land within the appropriate court boundaries.

The boundaries differ depending on whether you’re playing singles or doubles.

For singles, the narrower court is used.

For doubles, the additional doubles alleys on either side of the court are included.

If you’re interested in the exact dimensions of a tennis court, take a look at our guide to Tennis Court Dimensions and Size Specifications.

Singles vs doubles tennis rules

Tennis can be played as either singles or doubles.

Singles tennis

Singles is one player against one player.

The singles court is narrower because the doubles alleys aren’t used.

Doubles tennis

Doubles is two players against two players.

The wider doubles court is used, including the alleys on either side.

The basic scoring system is the same in singles and doubles, although doubles competitions can use specific alternative formats depending on the event.

Doubles is also a popular way to play recreational tennis because it is social, accessible and gives four people the opportunity to play together.

What happens when the ball hits the net during a rally?

If the ball hits the net during a rally and then lands in the opponent’s court, play normally continues.

The important question is whether the ball lands within the correct playing area and is returned before it bounces twice.

A ball hitting the net does not automatically mean the point is over.

This is different from a serve that clips the net and lands in the correct service box, which is treated as a let.

How many points do you need to win a tennis game?

Normally, you need to win four points to win a tennis game.

However, you must win by two points.

So:

40–0 → win next point → Game

But:

40–40 → Deuce

From deuce, you need to win two consecutive points.

How many games do you need to win a tennis set?

Under the standard tie-break set format, you need to win six games with a two-game advantage.

For example:

• 6–0 ✅

• 6–1 ✅

• 6–2 ✅

• 6–3 ✅

• 6–4 ✅

• 6–5 ❌

• 7–5 ✅

If the score reaches 6–6, a tie-break is normally used to decide the set.

How many sets do you need to win a tennis match?

For a best-of-three match, you need to win two sets.

For a best-of-five match, you need to win three sets.

The format depends on the competition.

What is a bagel in tennis?

You might hear commentators talk about a player giving their opponent a “bagel.”

A bagel means winning a set 6–0.

For example:

6–0, 6–3

The first set was a bagel.

You may also hear “double bagel”, which means winning a best-of-three match 6–0, 6–0.

What is a breadstick in tennis?

A breadstick is tennis slang for winning a set 6–1.

So if a player wins:

6–1

They have won a set with a “breadstick.”

These terms aren’t official tennis rules, but you’ll often hear them used by players and fans.

Can you play tennis without knowing all the rules?

Absolutely.

If you’re just getting started, you don’t need to memorise every rule before stepping onto a court.

The most important things to understand are:

1. Get the ball over the net.

2. Keep the ball inside the correct court.

3. Let the ball bounce no more than once on your side.

4. Start every point with a serve.

5. Win points to win games.

6. Win games to win sets.

7. Win sets to win the match.

Once you’ve played a few games, the scoring system starts to feel much more natural.

What equipment do you need to play tennis?

You don’t need a huge amount of equipment to get started.

The basics are:

• A tennis racket

• Tennis balls

• Appropriate sports clothing

• Suitable tennis shoes

• A tennis court

Your choice of footwear can be particularly important because tennis involves lots of quick changes of direction and movement.

The court surface can also affect how the game feels. Tennis can be played on surfaces including hard courts, grass and clay, while UK facilities also offer other outdoor and indoor surfaces.

Playfinder lists tennis courts across the UK, including hard, indoor, concrete, astroturf and clay surfaces. You can find tennis courts near you on Playfinder and check the facilities available at individual venues.

Where can you play tennis in the UK?

Tennis courts are available across the UK, from public parks and leisure centres to schools, sports clubs and dedicated tennis facilities.

Playfinder makes it easy to search for tennis courts by location and find information about available facilities.

Tennis courts in London

London has a particularly wide range of tennis courts, including indoor and outdoor venues and courts with different playing surfaces.

If you’re looking for somewhere to play, explore tennis courts in London on Playfinder.

You can also browse specific tennis courts and facilities to find a venue that suits your location and requirements.

Tennis courts across the UK

Outside London, Playfinder also lists tennis courts in locations across the UK.

From casual games with friends to regular training sessions, there are plenty of options for finding a court.

Find tennis courts across the UK and start planning your next game.

Frequently asked questions about tennis rules

What are the basic rules of tennis?

The basic rules are simple: players hit a ball over a net and try to land it inside the opponent’s court. Each point starts with a serve. Players win points, points make games, games make sets, and sets make matches.

How does tennis scoring work?

Tennis scoring normally goes from love (0), 15, 30 and 40. A player normally needs four points to win a game and must win by two points. At 40–40, the score is called deuce.

What is deuce in tennis?

Deuce means the players are tied at 40–40. From deuce, a player needs to win two consecutive points to win the game.

What does advantage mean in tennis?

Advantage means a player has won one point after deuce. They need to win the next point to win the game. If they lose it, the score returns to deuce.

How many games are in a tennis set?

A standard set is won by the first player to reach six games with a two-game advantage. If the score reaches 6–6, a tie-break is normally played.

How many points are in a tennis tie-break?

A standard tie-break is normally won by the first player to reach seven points with a two-point advantage. If the score reaches 6–6, play continues until someone has a two-point lead.

How many sets are in a tennis match?

Most tennis matches are best of three sets, meaning the first player to win two sets wins the match. Some competitions use best-of-five sets.

What does love mean in tennis?

“Love” means zero. For example, 30–0 is called “thirty-love.”

What is a double fault?

A double fault occurs when a player fails to make a legal serve with both of their serving attempts. The receiver wins the point.

What is a let?

A let usually occurs when a serve touches the net but still lands in the correct service box. The serve is replayed.

Is a ball on the line in or out in tennis?

A ball that touches the relevant court line is considered in.

Is tennis played differently in singles and doubles?

The basic scoring system is the same, but singles and doubles use different court boundaries. Singles uses the narrower court, while doubles uses the wider court including the doubles alleys.

Ready to play?

Now that you’ve got the basics of tennis scoring and rules covered, there’s only one thing left to do: get on court.

Whether you’re looking for a casual singles game, a doubles match with friends or somewhere to practise your serve, finding a court is the first step.

Find and book tennis courts near you with Playfinder.

Search by location, explore available facilities and find somewhere that works for your next game.

And if you’re still getting your head around the court itself, our guide to Tennis Court Dimensions and Size Specifications is a useful next read.

Find your court. Book your game. Play.