Terms and Game Formats

A social tournament where you change partners every round, so you play with as many people as possible. Matches go to a set number of points and everyone scores for themselves. Whoever has the most points at the end wins. The schedule is fixed in advance.

Like americano, but the pairings aren't fixed. The first round is drawn. After that, each round is set by the live standings. Players on similar points meet, so matches tend to be closer.

Winners move up a court, losers move down. Whoever holds the top court wins. Match length and partner rotation vary from club to club.

A way to settle 40–40 without advantage. One point decides the game, and the receiving pair picks who returns. Many tournaments and social matches use it because it keeps things moving.

A deciding point that only comes after two unconverted advantages. It's been the format at professional events since 2026. Think of it as halfway between classic advantage and the golden point.

The glass walls behind the baselines and in the corners. If the ball bounces and then hits the glass, it's still in play and you can return it off the rebound. The glass isn't in your way. It's part of the game, and how well you use it is what separates beginners from experienced players.

The metal mesh along the sides and above the back glass. The ball comes off it unpredictably and often slows down, so it's harder to read than the glass. If your shot hits the mesh before bouncing, you lose the point.