There are six games in a set and two or three games in a match. If the game is tied at 40, it extends until one player wins by a two-point lead. The name of these four points is love (zero), 15, 30, 40, and game. Tennis is a four-point game that must be won by a two-point lead. While the tennis scoring system isn’t difficult to understand, it entails some specific and seemingly arcane rules to get from zero to win. The other half is understanding how the athletes accumulate points to win games, sets, and matches. Half of the fun is seeing the athleticism and intensity, observing the strategy, and appreciating great sportsmanship. Watching a skilled tennis match is one of life’s great pleasures.
