fourth. If the first two points are divided for 15-all, the third
means an advantage gained. If won by you, you should strive to
consolidate it by taking the next for 40-15 and two chances for
game, while if lost, you must draw even at 30-all to have an even
chance for game.

In order to do this, be sure to always put the ball in play
safely, and do not take unnecessary chances, at 15-all or 30-15.
Always make the server work to hold his delivery. It worries him
to serve long games, and increases the nervous strain of the
match.

In the game score the sixth, seventh, and eighth games are the
crux of every close set. These games may mean 4-2 or 3-all, 5-2
or 4-3, the most vital advantage in the match, or 5-3 or 4-all, a
matter of extreme moment to a tiring player. If ahead, you should
strive to hold and increase your lead. If behind, your one hope
of victory rests in cutting down the advantage of the other man
BEFORE one slip means defeat. 5-2 is usually too late to start a
rally, but 4-3 is a real chance.

Never throw away a set because a player has a lead of 4-1, or
even 5-1, unless you already have two sets in a 5-set match, and
do not wish to risk tiring by trying to pull it out, and possibly
failing at 6-4. The great advantage Of 3-1 on your own service is
a stumbling-block for many players, for they unconsciously let up
at the fifth game, thinking they have a 2-game lead. However, by
dropping that game, the score will go 2-3 and 3-all if your
opponent holds service, instead of 1-4 and 4-2, thus retaining a
distinct advantage and discouraging your opponent in that set.