Quick answer
Deuce in tennis is the term for when the game score is tied at 40–40. From deuce, a player must win 2 points in a row to win the game. The first point after deuce is called advantage. Win the next point and you take the game. Lose it and the score goes back to deuce.
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Here's how that plays out
Let's say you are playing a match and the score reaches 40–40. That means you are at deuce.
You win the next point to move ahead. This specific score is called advantage. Right now you are the server for the game. Since you won the point and you're the server, you have the advantage. That score is called Ad In.
You win the very next point after that. That means you have won two points in a row. You have just won the game.
Let's say instead that you lose that point while you have the advantage (Ad In). That means the score goes right back to deuce. You must win two points in a row from this tied score to end the game.
Step by step
- 1
Reach 40–40
When both players win 3 points each, the score is 40–40 — that's deuce.
- 2
Win the next point: it's advantage
If the server wins the next point, the score is called 'ad in'. If the returner wins it, it's 'ad out'.
- 3
Win the point after advantage to win the game
Win 2 in a row from deuce and the game is yours.
- 4
Lose the advantage point and it's back to deuce
A lost advantage point doesn't cost the game. It just resets to deuce, and you start again needing 2 points in a row to win.
At a glance
Quick Guide to Deuce Scoring
| Game Stage | Point Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deuce | Players are tied at 40-40.. |
| Ad In (Advantage In) | Server wins first point after deuce. |
| Ad Out (Advantage Out) | Returner wins first point after deuce. |
| Winning the Game | One player wins 2 points in row. |
Frequently asked
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