Clues that reference sports terminology can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the game’s structure. The clue “Point after deuce, in tennis” might sound like it’s just about scoring, but it has a very specific answer rooted in tennis rules. If you spotted this clue in the NYT mini crossword or a quick free puzzle, it’s asking you to recall a key part of tennis lingo. Let’s walk through it.
Possible answer:
Clue and Answer Breakdown
In tennis, a deuce happens when both players have scored three points each (40–40). After that, one player must win two consecutive points to take the game. The point immediately following deuce is referred to as advantage and depending on who wins that point, it’s either Ad In (if the server has the advantage) or Ad Out (if the receiver has the advantage).
The answer to this clue is ADOUT, short for advantage out. It means the server’s opponent has the advantage one point away from winning the game. This is a standard term used in tennis scoring and is often abbreviated on scoreboards or announced by referees during matches.
Why ADOUT is the Right Answer
ADOUT fits the clue because it directly describes the point after deuce but only when the receiver wins that point. If the server had won it, the correct term would be Ad In. Since the clue doesn’t specify a side, crossword solvers are expected to go with the more challenging or less obvious term and Ad Out is often that choice in crossword puzzles.
In short puzzles like the NYT mini crossword answers or other fast paced games, short sports terms like this are favored because they’re concise, niche, and satisfying for solvers who spot the reference.
Trivia and Fun Fact
The word deuce comes from the French word deux, meaning two because a player must win by two clear points after deuce. In professional matches, the tension ramps up significantly once the game reaches this stage, making each Ad In or Ad Out announcement a critical moment.
Fun fact: In some casual play formats, players skip the traditional deuce rule and go straight to a single deciding point, called “sudden death” or “no ad scoring.”
Solving Tip for Clues Like This
If a clue references a sport and you’re unfamiliar with the scoring system, focus on the structure of the word short, game-specific terms are popular in crossword puzzles. For tennis, knowing the difference between Ad In and Ad Out is key. If the clue doesn’t specify the server, ADOUT is often used because it’s slightly less common and more crossword-friendly.
Disclaimer
We are not affiliated with The New York Times, USA Today, or any official crossword publisher. This content is made to help crossword puzzle fans find fast, accurate clue explanations. All references are for educational and entertainment purposes only.
Discover more clue breakdowns and puzzle help at Xcluer.com.