Why are tennis games scored 15, 30, 40, etc.?

[UrbScotty]

Why not just score them 1, 2, 3, 4?

[tridim]

1. For that matter, why do they pronounce "zero", "love"?

and "tie", "all"?

[Botany]

3. Google is good

There's a common misconception that the equally puzzling "love," or zero, derives from the French l'oeuf, "egg," or, by extension, goose-egg or zero. Actually, it comes from the idea of playing for love, rather than money--the implication being that one who scores zero consistently can only be motivated by a true love for the game. Tennis originated in the 12th or 13th century in France, where it was called jeu de paume ("palm game"). It seems to have derived its present appellation from the French habit of called "tenez!" before serving.

[tridim]

4. Don't you mean "Freedom ball"?

BTW, I knew I could look it up but I'd rather discuss it on DU. :)

[timber84]

6. lmao

[Botany]

2. Google is good

There's a reason for everything, my dear--not necessarily a good reason, but a reason just the same. Tennis scoring has its origin in medieval numerology. The number 60 was considered to be a "good" or "complete" number back then, in about the same way you'd consider 100 to be a nice round figure today. The medieval version of tennis, therefore, was based on 60--the four points when 15, 30, 45 (which we abbreviate to 40) and 60, or game.

[Team44Car]

5. I have played tennis my entire life - I didn't know that

[timber84]

7. welcome to DU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Team44Car]

12. Hello timber84

[jobycom]

10. Okay, so why does 45 become 40?

How's that an abreviation?

[K-W]

13. Its rounded down.

Rounding is to some extent a mathmatical abbreviation I suppose.

[DURHAM D]

8. During the late 60s - early 70s an effort was launched

to change the scoring method at sanctioned tournaments to 1,2,3, etc. It did not take hold so they gave up on it. However, I also don't know where the current scoring method came from.

[Sandpiper]

9. Why does any sport where points count for more than 1...

Score the way it does?

No reason really. Totally arbitrary.


That's why I enjoy baseball. 1 runner crossing the plate = 1 run.

[Botany]

11. sure but how come the catcher is not called the "HOME BASEMAN?"

:rofl:

[nickgutierrez]

14. Because that sounds ridiculous.

:)