Tennis (paper-and-pencil game)
Tennis is a two-player paper-and-pencil game simulating a tennis match. It's a game of strategy and prediction, relying on players anticipating their opponent's actions to score points.
Gameplay:
The game is typically played on a grid, representing the tennis court. The grid is usually symmetrical, with lines marking the net, service boxes, and baselines. Players take turns drawing lines on the grid to represent the path of the tennis ball. The aim is to draw a line that your opponent cannot successfully return within the boundaries of the court.
Each turn, a player draws a single line segment from the current position of the "ball." The length and angle of the line segment are crucial strategic elements. The length is generally restricted to a certain range. The angle must be chosen carefully to both stay within bounds and be difficult for the opponent to return.
If a player draws a line that goes out of bounds (beyond the sidelines or baseline) or is of an illegal length, they lose the point. If a player draws a line within bounds, it becomes the opponent's turn to draw a returning line from the end of the first player's line. The play continues back and forth until one player fails to make a legal return.
Scoring:
The scoring system follows traditional tennis rules:
- Love (0)
- 15
- 30
- 40
- Game
A player must win at least four points and be ahead by two points to win a game. Sets and matches can be played according to agreed-upon rules, mimicking standard tennis match formats.
Variations:
Several variations of the game exist. These variations might involve different grid sizes, restrictions on the length or angle of lines, or modified scoring systems. Some variations may introduce concepts like "spin" or "net play" represented through specific rules or markings on the grid.
Strategic Considerations:
Strategic play involves anticipating the opponent's moves, controlling the court positioning of the "ball", and forcing errors. Careful planning of line lengths and angles is essential for success. Blocking angles and directing the "ball" into difficult-to-reach locations are key tactics. Understanding the limitations imposed by the rules and the geometry of the grid is crucial for both offensive and defensive strategies.