A good game of tennis is not only social, but also an excellent workout. Tennis is a stop and start sport, with the potential for great interval training. It is also a mental sport--how you believe you'll play has a heavy influence on the outcome of the game. The key to a good game is having a solid foundation in the rules and regulations that dictate the sport.
Scoring
Scoring is done by peculiar numbers. Each game starts with either side at zero, but zero is not called out. Instead, the term "love" is used. The first point scored gives that side 15 points, so the score is love-15. Then the score is increased by 15 points, generating a score of 15-15 or love-30, depending on which side scored. In this case, 15-15 would be stated as 15-all (both sides have the same score). You might think the next increment is 15, but logic doesn't apply to tennis scoring. Instead, the next possible score is either love-40 or 30-15. When both sides are at 30, the score is 30-all. When both sides are at 40, the score is deuce. When gaining a score at deuce, the advantage is either ad-in (advantage to the serving side) or ad-out (advantage to the non-serving side). A game is won either after the point is scored for the side that holds 40, or to the side that had the advantage at deuce. Sets are played until one team wins six games (or two more than the opposition in case of a tie). Matches are won when one team wins either two sets (for women) or three sets (for men). Tiebreakers determine the outcome if the final set is tied.
When serving, you change sides (from right to left on your side of the court) after a point is completed. This helps you keep track of the score and you should announce it prior to serving. You generally change sides of the court as a whole after every fourth game or every odd numbered game, depending on the league in which you play.
Lines
Tennis is played with doubles--two partners, in which case the court is played wider, to the outer lines on each side. Singles play--only one player per side--uses the inner lines to determine the area of play. In either case, the back line, or baseline, determines the length of the court. The serving area is also the same for either doubles or singles play. It is the box diagonally across from the player serving on the opposite side of the course. You must get the serve inside the opposing team's service box for the point to start.
Etiquette
Tennis is a genteel sport. Swearing, loud noises and poor sportsmanship is frowned upon. A ball that lands on the line is in. If you don't return it within one bounce on your side of the court, you have lost the point. Be gracious in case you were uncertain--many players play for literally decades at a club and your reputation will precede you. Non-marking shoes that do not mar the surface of the court is required in most clubs, as is appropriate attire. This is generally anything that is devoted to fitness. Cut off shorts or jeans are generally not allowed. When setting up a match, bring your own balls. Do not presume that the club or the opposing team will provide them.
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