At 40-40 in tennis, the score is called deuce. The game is not over, and neither player has an advantage: each needs to win two points in a row to take the game.
From deuce, the next point gives one player “advantage.” Win the following point, and that player wins the game. Lose it, and the score returns to deuce. This back-and-forth can repeat until someone wins consecutive points—or, in some formats, wins a single deciding point.
What Does 40-40 Mean in Tennis?
A standard tennis game uses the point calls love, 15, 30, and 40. When both players reach 40, the score is 40-40, or deuce. Each player has won at least three points in the game, but neither has won enough to finish it.
At deuce, a player must build a two-point lead. That means winning one point to earn advantage, then winning another to close out the game. If the player with advantage loses the next point, the score goes back to deuce.
| Point after deuce | What happens |
|---|---|
| Player wins | That player gets advantage |
| Player with advantage wins the next point | That player wins the game |
| Player with advantage loses the next point | The score returns to deuce |
How Advantage Works After Deuce
The advantage goes to whichever player wins the point immediately after deuce. The score is often announced as “advantage server” or “advantage receiver,” depending on who won it. You may also hear “ad-in” when the server has advantage and “ad-out” when the receiver has it.
For example, say the score is deuce and the server wins the next rally. The score becomes advantage server. If the server wins again, the server takes the game. If the receiver wins instead, the score returns to deuce. The receiver then needs to win two points in a row to claim the game.
A simple score example
- The players reach 40-40: deuce.
- The receiver wins the next point: advantage receiver, or ad-out.
- The server wins the following point: back to deuce.
- The server wins the next point: advantage server, or ad-in.
- The server wins once more: game to the server.
That sequence shows why a game can continue for several points after 40-40. Each return to deuce resets the advantage; it does not give either player a lasting edge.
Who Serves at 40-40?
The normal service order continues through deuce. The server does not change simply because the score reaches 40-40. In singles, the same player serves the entire game, alternating the side of the court for each point.
After a deuce point, the next point is played from the ad court, the left side from the server’s perspective. If the score goes back to deuce, the following point is played from the deuce court, the right side. This pattern keeps alternating.
For example, if the receiver wins the point from deuce court and earns advantage, the advantage point is served from the ad court. The service side matters because players may use different serves or aim for different return positions on each side.
Why 40-40 Can Change the Tactics
Deuce puts pressure on both players. One point can create game point for the player who wins it, but a single mistake does not necessarily end the game. That balance often leads to careful choices: a server might use a reliable first serve rather than go for maximum speed, while a returner may focus on getting the ball back deep instead of trying for an immediate winner.
The advantage point is especially important because it can be a game point. A player serving at advantage might target a weaker side of the opponent or follow a strong serve to the net. A receiver may look for a safe return that starts the rally on good terms. The best choice depends on the player’s strengths, the opponent’s habits, and the match situation.
Deuce can also test patience. A player may earn advantage more than once without finishing the game. Staying focused after a missed chance is useful: the score is back to an even starting point, and the next point must be played on its own merits.
Deuce vs. No-Ad Scoring
Not every match uses the traditional advantage system. In no-ad scoring, 40-40 is still usually called deuce, but the next point decides the game. There is no advantage point followed by a separate game-closing point.
In many no-ad formats, the receiver chooses which side to receive from on the deciding point. Tournament, league, or recreational rules can differ, so players should check the format before a match. No-ad scoring is common in some doubles events and shorter competitions, while traditional advantage scoring is used in many standard matches.
| Scoring format | What happens at 40-40 | How to win the game |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage scoring | One player must earn advantage | Win two points in a row from deuce |
| No-ad scoring | A deciding point is played | Win that single point |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40-40 called deuce?
Yes. When both players have reached 40 in a standard game, the score is called deuce. The game continues until one player wins the required points under the scoring format being used.
How many points do you need to win from deuce?
With traditional advantage scoring, you need to win two points in a row: one to get advantage and another to win the game. In no-ad scoring, the next point decides the game.
Does advantage scoring go back to deuce?
Yes. If the player with advantage loses the next point, the score returns to deuce. Neither player keeps an advantage from an earlier point.
Does the server switch sides after a deuce point?
The server alternates sides for every point. After a point played from the deuce court, the next is played from the ad court, whether the score becomes advantage or returns to deuce.
Final Thoughts
At 40-40, the tennis score is deuce, and the game is still undecided. In traditional scoring, a player must win two consecutive points to finish it; in no-ad scoring, one deciding point is enough. Once you know which format is in use, the calls after deuce—advantage, game, or back to deuce—are easy to follow.
