What Does “To Deuce” Mean in Tennis Betting?
A deuce occurs when both players reach 40 points each (40–40) in a single game. From there, the game continues until one player wins two consecutive points (Advantage → Game).
So when you bet “Game 4 of Set 2 – To Deuce: Yes”, you are predicting that both players will score at least three points each in that game.
If you bet “No”, you’re predicting that one player will win the game without it reaching 40–40, such as 40–0, 40–15, or 40–30.
Example Scenario
Let’s use an example with two players:
Match: Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz
Market: Set 2, Game 4 – To Deuce
- Option 1: Yes (To Deuce)
You win if Game 4 of Set 2 reaches 40–40.
Example: The score goes 15–0, 15–15, 30–15, 30–30, 40–30, 40–40 → Bet wins. - Option 2: No (Not To Deuce)
You win if one player wins the game before 40–40.
Example: Djokovic wins the game 40–15 → No deuce → Bet wins.
How Bookmakers Set Odds
Odds depend on:
- Server strength: Strong servers (like Isner, Opelka) make “No Deuce” more likely.
- Receiver’s ability: Great returners (like Medvedev or Djokovic) make “To Deuce – Yes” more probable.
- Court surface: Clay courts often produce more deuces due to longer rallies.
- Match stage: In later sets, players may serve more cautiously, increasing chances of deuce.
Example Odds
| Bet Type | Example Odds | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| To Deuce – Yes | 2.20 | Game reaches 40–40 |
| To Deuce – No | 1.60 | Game ends before 40–40 |
If you stake $10 on Yes (2.20) and the game reaches deuce, your return is $22 (Profit = $12).
Betting Tips
- Analyze Serving Stats
Check how often each player’s service games go to deuce. ATP and WTA stats often show “percentage of games reaching 40–40.” - Court Surface Matters
- Clay: Longer rallies → more deuces.
- Grass: Quicker points → fewer deuces.
- Focus on Key Moments
In Set 2 Game 4, momentum may shift after the first set. If the player who lost Set 1 serves now, they’ll fight harder to hold serve → higher chance of deuce. - Live Betting Advantage
Watch how close games are. If both players are regularly reaching 30–30 in earlier games, the next service game has a strong chance of going to deuce. - Avoid Betting Every Game
Choose games with balanced players — for instance, when a weaker server faces a strong returner.
Example Betting Breakdown
Match: Coco Gauff vs Iga Świątek
Set 2, Game 4 – Gauff serving
| Scenario | Points Played | Result | Bet Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauff 40–15 | No Deuce | Bet loses (if “Yes”) | |
| Gauff 40–40 | Deuce Reached | Bet wins (if “Yes”) |
Summary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Market | Set 2 Game 4 – To Deuce |
| Objective | Predict if the game will reach 40–40 |
| Winning Condition | Both players score at least 3 points each |
| Ideal For | Live bettors, detailed analysts, and value hunters |
In short:
If both players are showing competitive rallies or strong returns early in Set 2, betting “To Deuce – Yes” in Game 4 can offer excellent value, especially when odds are above 2.00.