How Scoring in Tennis Doubles Works

Quick summary

• Basic points: Love means zero, then 15, 30 and 40. To win a game a team needs at least four points and must be two points ahead.

• Deuce and advantage: When both teams reach 40 you have deuce. The next point gives advantage; if the advantage-holder wins the following point the game ends, otherwise the score returns to deuce.

• No-Ad option: At 40-40 the next point wins the game and the receiving team chooses the side for that deciding return. This format speeds matches and is common in club and league play.

• Tiebreaks: A standard set tiebreak is played to seven points and requires a two-point margin; a match tiebreak (often used instead of a deciding set) goes to ten points. Rules and rotation differ from regular games, so pay attention to who serves first.

• Call the score: Announce the score clearly before each serve and keep the serving order visible to avoid disputes. Have the partner nearest the net repeat the call when wind or noise makes hearing difficult.

Scoring in tennis doubles: the quick primer

One player serves for the whole game and partners alternate service games according to the agreed rotation, so confirm the serving order before the set.

Deuce, ad in and ad out: what to say on court

Call "ad in" if the serving team wins that point and "ad out" if the receiving team wins it. Announcing the call immediately after the point removes ambiguity and keeps the match flowing.

The serving team traditionally announces the score, but clarity matters most. If wind or crowd noise interferes, the partner closest to the net should repeat the call right away. Keep the call short and consistent so everyone knows who won the point and who will serve next.

Two simple aids help under pressure: think of "in" as the server keeping control and "out" as the opponents taking control, and repeat the phrase quietly between points. For example, if Alex serves and wins the deuce point call "Ad in, Alex" and continue serving; if the returner wins, call "Ad out" and be ready for the opponents to be aggressive on the next point.

No-Ad scoring: the "next point wins" option and when it's used

No-Ad means that at 40-40 the next point wins the game. The receiving team selects the side for that single deciding return. In mixed doubles, partners should agree ahead of time who will take that return, and some tournaments publish a specific procedure for deciding returns.

No-Ad is an approved alternative under ITF rules and USTA guidance, and appears often where matches need to finish faster. See the USTA's explanation of no-ad points for details. Common settings include club and house-league matches with limited court time, many USTA formats, junior and recreational events, and occasional exhibitions experimenting with pace.

Tactically, No-Ad raises the value of placement and low-risk aggression because there is no room for a second chance. Practice deciding-point drills: alternate receivers on short, focused points and rehearse first-serve placement while a partner practices quick poaches.

Tiebreaks: 7-point and 10-point formats and variations

The standard 7-point tiebreak decides a set when games reach 6-6. The player due to serve starts with one point from the deuce side, then teams alternate serving two points each for the remainder of the tiebreak. Teams change ends every six points, and the first team to reach seven points with a two-point lead wins the tiebreak and the set.

In doubles the serving rotation follows the established order, so the teammate who would serve next in the set starts the tiebreak and partners take two-point turns thereafter. For example, if the order is A1, B1, A2, B2, A1 serves one, then B1 serves two, A2 serves two, and so on. Keep track of the rotation and side changes to avoid serving out of turn.

The match tiebreak often replaces a deciding set in many events and is played to ten points with a two-point margin. The Coman procedure, used in some competitions, changes ends after the first point and then after every four points to reduce environmental advantage. Tournament organizers may use other small variations, so check posted rules before you play. For a clear breakdown of tiebreak timing and serving order, see this tiebreak guide.

Scoring in tennis doubles: quick takeaways

Try this drill: spend 30 minutes with a partner alternating one No-Ad game and one regular game while calling scores aloud. For more beginner-friendly rules, quick drills and honest gear reviews, read more on TennisCore Blog.