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Tennis Maths

Maths in tennis: tennis scoring

Explain 15, 30, 40 and game as a special scoring pattern.

Quick answer

Tennis uses a special scoring system where points are counted as 15, 30, 40, and then a game. You don't count past 40 like normal numbers – instead, 40 is the last number before winning the game.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how tennis scoring works and be able to count points in a tennis game using 15, 30, 40, and game. Success signs:
  • You can say the tennis scores in order: 15, 30, 40, and then a game
  • You can explain why tennis scores go 15, 30, 40 instead of 1, 2, 3, 4
  • You can play a mini tennis game and keep track of points
  • You can count to 40 in tennis and know when someone wins a game

Why this matters

Tennis scoring helps us keep track of who is winning a match. It’s not like normal counting – it's special! Understanding tennis scoring helps you follow matches, play games, and even learn about history. Tennis has been played for hundreds of years, and its scoring system is part of what makes it exciting.

How it works

Tennis scoring is different from normal counting. It goes like this:
  1. First point = 15
  2. Second point = 30
  3. Third point = 40
  4. Fourth point = Game (you win!)
This is a bit like a special code. You don’t count 1, 2, 3, 4. You count 15, 30, 40, and then you win. Imagine you're playing tennis with a friend. You each take turns hitting the ball. Every time you hit the ball and your opponent misses, you get a point. You keep track of points like this:
  • Player A = 15
  • Player B = 30
  • Player A = 40
  • Player A wins the game!

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine two tennis players, Emma and Liam. They are playing a game. Game 1:
  • Emma hits the ball and wins the first point = Emma = 15
  • Liam hits the ball and wins the second point = Liam = 30
  • Emma hits the ball and wins the third point = Emma = 40
  • Liam hits the ball and wins the fourth point = Liam wins the game!
Game 2:
  • Emma = 15
  • Liam = 30
  • Emma = 40
  • Emma = Game (Emma wins!)
Game 3 (with a tie):
  • Emma = 15
  • Liam = 30
  • Emma = 40
  • Emma = 40 (tie!)
  • Emma = Game (Emma wins!)
Real-world example: Think of it like a race. You start at 15, then go to 30, then 40. It's like going from the first stop to the second stop, then the third stop, and then you finish the race. If you're playing a tennis game with a friend, you can use counters or draw circles to keep track of points.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a tennis adventure! You are a tennis player in a tournament. You need to play three matches. Each match is played until someone wins 4 points. Match 1:
  • You = 15
  • Opponent = 30
  • You = 40
  • Opponent = Game (Opponent wins!)
Match 2:
  • You = 15
  • Opponent = 30
  • You = 40
  • You = Game (You win!)
Match 3:
  • You = 15
  • Opponent = 30
  • You = 40
  • You = 40
  • You = Game (You win again!)
You can play this with a friend, using counters or drawing points on paper. You can even pretend you're on a tennis court and shout the scores out loud!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that tennis scores count like 1, 2, 3, 4.
    Why it happens: You might be used to counting normally.
    Fix: Remember tennis uses 15, 30, 40, then game.
  • Mistake: Confusing who wins when the score is 40-40.
    Why it happens: The game gets tied, and it can be confusing.
    Fix: In tennis, 40-40 is called "deuce". You need to win by two points.
  • Mistake: Not knowing that a game is won with 4 points.
    Why it happens: You might think you need more points.
    Fix: In tennis, a game is won with 4 points. No more, no less.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children understand tennis scoring by:
  • Playing a simple tennis game at home using counters or small objects
  • Using a tennis scoring chart or a drawing to show how points go up
  • Reading tennis matches together and pointing out the scores
  • Practising the tennis scores: 15, 30, 40, game
  • Encouraging children to say the scores out loud while playing
It’s important not to pressure children to learn the full rules of tennis. Just focus on understanding the scoring system. If a child gets confused, gently remind them that tennis uses special numbers: 15, 30, 40, and then game.

Practice questions

  1. What comes after 30 in tennis scoring?
  2. How many points does it take to win a tennis game?
  3. What is the score if someone has 3 points?
  4. If a player scores 15, then 30, then 40, what happens next?
  5. What is the tennis score for the first point?
Answers:
  1. 40
  2. 4
  3. 40
  4. They win the game
  5. 15

FAQ

What does "deuce" mean in tennis?

Deuce means the score is tied at 40-40. You need to win by two points to win the game.

Why do tennis scores go 15, 30, 40 instead of 1, 2, 3?

The tennis scoring system is old and mysterious. It's believed to be based on clocks or early counting methods. It's a tradition that's still used today.

Can you win a tennis game with 3 points?

No, you need 4 points to win a tennis game.

How do you keep track of tennis scores?

You can use counters, draw circles, or count out loud. You can also use a tennis score sheet or a chart.

What happens if the score is 40-40?

It's called "deuce". You need to win by two points. If you win one point after deuce, it's called "advantage". If you win the next point, you win the game.