In the game of tennis, scoring can be a bit confusing for beginners. One of the terms that often causes some head-scratching is “Ad“—but what exactly does it mean? If you’ve ever watched a tennis match or played the sport and heard the term but didn’t quite understand, this article will clarify things for you. Read on to learn everything you need to know about “Ad” in tennis scoring.
Understanding Tennis Scoring
Tennis has a unique scoring system that differs from most other sports. Rather than a simple count like 1, 2, 3, the points in tennis progress as follows:
- 0 points – “Love”
- 1 point – 15
- 2 points – 30
- 3 points – 40
- 4 points – A game is won, unless the players are tied at 40-40 (deuce).
When both players reach 40 points, the term “deuce” is used. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game. This is where “Ad” comes into play.
What Does ‘Ad’ Mean?
“Ad” is short for “advantage.” When a game reaches deuce, the next point won gives that player the advantage or “Ad.” The score will then be called one of two ways:
- Ad In – If the server wins the point after deuce, it’s called “Ad In.”
- Ad Out – If the receiver wins the point after deuce, it’s called “Ad Out.”
If the player with the advantage wins the next point, they win the game. However, if they lose that point, the score returns to deuce, and they must fight for the advantage again.
Why Is ‘Ad’ Important?
The concept of “Ad” makes tennis matches more exciting and competitive, as players must fight hard to secure consecutive points. It also adds an element of suspense, as games can go back and forth between deuce and advantage multiple times before a winner emerges.
In professional tennis, it’s not uncommon for games to last for several minutes, with momentum shifting between players. This is especially thrilling in high-stakes matches, where every point counts.
No-Ad Scoring in Some Formats
In some tournaments and formats, a variation called “No-Ad scoring” is used. This format removes the advantage rule and simplifies deuce. Instead of playing until someone wins two consecutive points from deuce, the next point after deuce decides the game immediately. This speeds up matches and is often used in doubles matches and lower-tier tournaments.
Example Scenario
To see how “Ad” works in a real-life situation, let’s look at an example:
- Player A serves, and the match reaches deuce.
- Player A wins the next point—now it’s “Ad In.”
- Player A needs just one more point to win the game, but Player B wins the next point.
- The score returns to deuce.
- Player B wins the next point—now it’s “Ad Out.”
- Player B wins the next point again and wins the game.
Common Misconceptions About ‘Ad’
Since tennis scoring is unique, many people new to the game misunderstand the concept of “Ad.” Here are some common misconceptions:
- Some think ‘Ad’ means the game is over. – In reality, “Ad” just means the player is one point away from winning the game.
- Some believe only the server can have an advantage. – The advantage applies to whichever player wins the point from deuce, whether serving or receiving.
- Some assume ‘Ad’ applies to sets as well. – “Ad” only refers to individual games, not entire sets or matches.
Conclusion
Now that you understand what “Ad” means in tennis, you’ll be able to follow matches more easily and even use the scoring system when playing. The advantage rule makes games more competitive and thrilling, ensuring that winning a game isn’t just a matter of grabbing a lucky point.
Next time you watch a match and hear “Ad In” or “Ad Out,” you’ll know exactly what’s happening and why it matters. Enjoy the game!