The Rules of Real Tennis
Rules:
The rules of real tennis have remained largely unchanged for centuries, preserving the game’s traditional charm. When simplified by removing specialized elements like serving and chases, the game becomes straightforward to grasp.
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​Players aim to hit the ball over the net, with the added flexibility of using any wall—similar to squash. Scoring follows the same format as lawn tennis (15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage), but with a key distinction: the winner of the previous point has their score announced first, rather than the server’s. This difference becomes intuitive as you begin to play.
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A set is won by the first player to secure six games. If the score reaches 5–5, a decisive game determines the winner. After each game, the victor’s score is always called first. As with many racket sports, real tennis can be played as singles or doubles. However, the court's unique layout and the dynamic gameplay make doubles especially engaging.
While there is no universally standardized rule set for Real Tennis across all courts, the most widely accepted version is the UK rules, which are accessible online at rt42.org/rules.
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The Court:
A Real Tennis court consists of an indoor playing area enclosed by four walls, each contributing uniquely to the game's dynamics. Three of these walls feature sloping roofs, known as penthouses, beneath which are openings called galleries that allow spectators to observe the match. A distinctive element of the court is the tambour, a protruding buttress that extends into the playing space, influencing ball trajectories and adding strategic complexity.
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​In terms of dimensions, the court is approximately one and a half times the length of a standard lawn tennis court and slightly wider than a doubles lawn tennis court. A net spans the center, with its height mirroring that of a lawn tennis net at the middle, rising to five feet at each end. This design creates a distinctive and challenging environment for players, combining historical architecture with the sport's traditional elements.