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Tennis Scoring

The scoring system in tennis has mystified many, and the true origin of this unusual scoring system is still not clear.

The scores go from 0, 15, 30, 40 then game (60). The sequence of multiples of 15 is clear except for the 40, which may have been abriviated from 45 for simplicity in calling out the score.

Love

A score of love for zero points is a reference to the zero looking like an egg, which the French call 'œuf', which to the uneducated English sounds a lot like 'love'

Deuce

Deuce, indicating two or a pair, is when both players are on a score of 40.

Advantage

After the score has reached 40-all, the winner of the next point will have the advantage, requiring another point to win the game. If the player with advantage loses the next point, the score reverts to 40-all.

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• Tennis Terms