Tennis scoring builds in four steps: points make games, games make sets, and sets decide the match. In standard play, games use love–15–30–40 scoring, sets usually go to six games with a two-game lead, and the match goes to the first player or team to win the required number of sets. The event’s rules determine what happens at deuce, at 6–6, and in a deciding set.
The scoring ladder: points, games, sets and matches
Points make a game
In a standard game, the score is called love (zero), 15 (one point), 30 (two) and 40 (three). A player normally needs to win by two points. If both players reach three points, the score is deuce; the game is not won simply by taking the next point.
Games make a set
A standard set is won by the first player to take six games while leading by at least two. A 6–4 score ends the set. At 5–5, one player can win 7–5 by taking the next two games. If the score reaches 6–6, the competition’s set-ending rule decides whether a tiebreak is played or the set continues until someone leads by two games. The ITF describes these standard set rules in its Rules of Tennis portal.
Sets make a match
In a best-of-three match, the first player or team to win two sets wins the match. In best-of-five, three sets are needed. The format specifies the maximum number of sets; play ends as soon as one side reaches the required total.
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What happens at deuce?
Advantage scoring
Under standard advantage scoring, a player must win two consecutive points from deuce. The first point won gives that player “advantage.” Winning the next point wins the game; losing it returns the score to deuce. This can repeat until one player wins two points in a row.
No-ad scoring
Some competitions use no-ad scoring: at deuce, one deciding point determines the game. The event’s rules may specify which player receives or chooses the service side for that point. No-ad is an alternative scoring method, not the default assumption for every match; the ITF rules materials recognize approved variations, and its World Tennis Tour FAQ gives examples of formats used in particular draws (ITF rules; ITF World Tennis Tour FAQ).
How a tiebreak works at 6–6
When a set reaches 6–6 and the event uses a tiebreak set, the players play a tiebreak instead of continuing ordinary games. Tiebreak points are counted as 1, 2, 3 and so on. In the usual set tiebreak, the first player to reach at least seven points with a two-point lead wins. So 7–5 ends it, but 6–6 does not: play continues until someone leads by two, such as 8–6 or 9–7.
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The set score is recorded as 7–6 for the winner, even if the tiebreak itself goes beyond seven points. A tiebreak set is distinct from an advantage set, in which play continues beyond 6–6 until a player leads by two games.
Set tiebreaks and match tiebreaks are different
A set tiebreak is played inside a set, commonly when that set reaches 6–6. A match tiebreak instead takes the place of the deciding final set after the match reaches a specified tied-set score. It is still a tiebreak, but it determines the match rather than the score of an ordinary set.
Under approved ITF alternatives, a match tiebreak can use a target of seven or ten points, and either version requires a two-point margin. The tournament rules specify which target applies. ITF World Tennis Tour materials, for example, describe a 10-point match tiebreak in specified qualifying or doubles formats; that example does not establish the format for every event (ITF rules; ITF World Tennis Tour FAQ).
Why tennis match formats vary
There is no single combination of scoring options that applies to all tennis. Organizers can prescribe advantage or no-ad games, tiebreak or advantage sets, best-of-three or best-of-five matches, and a full deciding set or a match tiebreak in its place. The combination can depend on the competition and draw: singles main draw, qualifying, doubles, junior tennis and recreational play may use different formats.
The ITF’s tour FAQ illustrates this draw-specific approach: it describes best-of-three tiebreak sets for singles main draws and different provisions for specified qualifying and doubles draws. For beginners and junior play, ITF Play and Stay guidance also recommends shorter options such as short sets, tiebreaks and timed matches (ITF World Tennis Tour FAQ; ITF Play and Stay).
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How to identify the format for a specific match
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Check the event’s current rules or draw information for the match format; do not infer it from another tournament or tour.
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Look for the game rule: advantage scoring or no-ad at deuce.
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Look for the set rule: a tiebreak at 6–6 or an advantage set that continues until a two-game lead.
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Check how the deciding portion works: a full final set or a match tiebreak, and whether the match tiebreak target is seven or ten points.
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Confirm whether the match is best of three or best of five sets.
For a live event, its current rulebook is the authority on the exact combination; rules can change between editions. The ITF identifies itself as the Rules of Tennis authority and maintains an official rules portal (ITF Rules of Tennis).
