GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
How does no-ad scoring change a tennis game at deuce?
Under the 2026 Rules of Tennis, standard scoring requires a player or team to win two consecutive points after deuce. The No-Ad alternative in Appendix VI instead uses one deciding point at deuce; the receiver chooses the service side, subject to the doubles conditions. Check the event’s announced scoring format rather than assuming No-Ad applies.
For Bettors and sports readers interpreting tennis rules and statistics · Updated
Standard scoring can move from advantage back to deuce
Rule 5 of the 2026 Rules of Tennis calls a game deuce when both sides have won three points. The next point gives one side advantage. If that side wins the following point, it wins the game; if the other side wins, the score returns to deuce. A side must win two consecutive points immediately after deuce to finish the game.
No-Ad uses a single deciding point
Appendix VI, “Alternative Procedures and Scoring Methods,” describes No-Ad: when both sides have won three points, one deciding point is played and its winner takes the game. The receiver chooses whether to receive from the right or left half. In doubles, the receiving players cannot change positions for that point; in mixed doubles, the player of the same gender as the server receives it.
No-Ad is an alternative procedure, not a universal format. For a real match, check the competition’s announced scoring method. This page assumes the event has announced which procedure applies.
A fictional singles game starting at deuce
Hypothetical singles game; the server calls their score first, and both versions start at 40–40 (deuce). Standard advantage version: the returner wins the next point (advantage returner), the server wins the following point (back to deuce), then the returner wins two consecutive points (advantage and game). No-Ad version: assume this event announced No-Ad; at deuce the receiver chooses the right or left service half, then the server wins the single deciding point and takes the game. All scores and outcomes are invented; no tournament format is inferred.
Related questions
Does every tennis event use No-Ad scoring?
No. The ITF lists No-Ad as an alternative procedure in Appendix VI. Check the event’s announced rules to know which scoring method is in force.