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In tennis, when is the score called "deuce"?

When both sides have won three points, 40 all.

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  1. When both sides have won three points ✔
  2. When both sides have won one point
  3. When a set is tied at six games

Why: If each player or team has won three points, the score is deuce instead of 40 all. From there, someone has to pull ahead by two.

Huh, didn't know that: Some games go back to deuce again and again, which is why a single game can last longer than a whole set.

The dad joke
My tennis game is like a seesaw. Deuce, advantage, deuce, advantage, deuce.
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References

Answer: When both sides have won three points. If each player or team has won three points, the score is deuce instead of 40 all. From there, someone has to pull ahead by two.

  1. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 5 Score in a Game www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    except that if each player/team has won three points, the score is
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessYou have the advantage, then your opponent wins the next point. What is the score now?Sports & FitnessIn a standard tennis game, what score comes after 30?Sports & FitnessIn a standard tennis game, a player wins the point after deuce. What is the score called?

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