A tie-break can feel confusing precisely when you most want to concentrate on the next point. Who serves now? Which side do you start from? And is this one first to seven or first to ten? This guide covers a standard seven-point set tie-break and the differences to check before a match tie-break.
The quick version
- A standard set tie-break usually starts at 6–6 in games.
- The target is seven points, with a lead of at least two.
- The first server serves one point; players then take turns serving two points.
- Under the standard rule, players change ends after every six points.
Check your competition’s format first: short sets and other approved scoring formats can use different arrangements.
How do you win a tie-break?
Count points normally: zero, one, two and so on. A score of 7–5 finishes a seven-point tie-break, but 7–6 does not. Play continues until someone leads by two, so 8–6 or 12–10 are possible winning scores. The set score is recorded as 7–6, not as the tie-break’s point score.
Who serves, and from which side?
The player whose turn it was to serve the next game serves the opening point from the right-hand, or deuce, side. The opponent serves the next two points, starting from the left-hand, or advantage, side. After that, each server has two points, starting on the advantage side and then serving from the deuce side.
| Point number | Server | Serving side |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Deuce |
| 2 and 3 | B | Advantage, then deuce |
| 4 and 5 | A | Advantage, then deuce |
| 6 and 7 | B | Advantage, then deuce |
The pattern continues for as long as necessary. Changing ends does not restart the service sequence.
When do you change ends?
In a standard tie-break, change ends when the total points played reaches six, twelve, eighteen and so on. For example, 4–2 and 3–3 both trigger a change because six points have been played. It is the total that matters, not whether either player has reached six.
What changes in doubles?
Keep the serving rotation established for that set. If the rotation is A1, B1, A2, B2, then A1 serves the opening point, B1 the next two, A2 the next two and B2 the next two. Continue that order. Partners do not simply hand every service turn to the stronger server.
Seven points or ten?
A ten-point match tie-break commonly replaces a deciding set in club competitions. Its target is ten, still with a two-point margin. The usual one-point-then-two serving pattern remains. Do not assume that every deciding set is replaced this way: confirm the match format and any alternative change-of-ends rule with the organiser.
A courtside memory aid
Our practical suggestion: before the opening point, agree aloud who serves first and the winning target. Then call the score before each serve. If you lose track, reconstruct the points together before continuing rather than guessing.
Sources: USTA scoring guide and the 2026 Rules of Tennis. Local competition regulations determine the format used in your match.
