Note: Always turn the console POWER switch OFF when inserting or removing an ATARI Game Program cartridge. This will protect the electronic components and prolong the life of your ATARI 2600 Video Computer System game.
 

GAME PLAY

You win the RealSports+ TENNIS match by winning the most games in two out of three sets.  Points are scored by hitting a ball over the net that your opponent can't return.

After each game, the receiver becomes the  server.  Players switch side after the first game and then after every other game, according to the rules of tennis.

RealSports TENNIS can be played by one or two players at slow or fast speed. In addition, each player can play with automatic or manual racket control (see DIFFICULTY SWITCHES).
 

USING THE CONTROLLERS

Use your Joystick Controllers with this ATARI Game Program cartridge. Be sure the cables are firmly plugged into the jacks at the back of your console.  For one-player games, plug your controller into the LEFT CONTROLLER jack. Hold the controller with the red button to your upper left, toward the television screen. See your owner's manual for further details.
 

STARTING THE GAME

Move your Joystick forward until the start arrow appears on your scoreboard, then press the red controller button to start the game.  You can also personalize your tennis score-board by writing in your player's name: Move the Joystick forward and back to select a letter, space, period or backspace from the scrolling alphabet.  When the desired character appears, press the red controller button. Then select the start arrow to begin the game (Figure 1).

Note: If your name fills in all eight character spaces, simply press the controller button to start. then, get ready to serve!
 

PLAYER CONTROL

Move your Joystick in the direction you want your player to go. Press the red controller button to serve the ball. In one-player games you must also press the button to make the computer player serve the ball.

Note: In some games, the red controller button is used to swing the racket (see DIFFICULTY SWITCHES).

There are three kinds of shots in RealSports TENNIS: a normal shot, a hard hit, and a lob. A normal shot is hit when your player is standing still or moving from side to side; a hard hit when your player is running towards the net; and a lob when your player is running away from the net.

You can angle your shot by hitting the ball with the tip of your racket. The closer the ball is to your player's body, the straighter your shot will be. In addition, the computer automatically adjusts the players to hit backhand.
 

CONSOLE CONTROLS

GAME SELECT/GAME RESET

Press GAME SELECT to choose a one- or two-player game at fast or slow speed. Your choice is displayed on the scoreboard (figure 2).

Press GAME RESET to bring up the scrolling alphabet. The letter A will appear. The game will begin after you have entered a name or selected the start arrow.

DIFFICULTY SWITCHES

Use your DIFFICULTY switch to select automatic or manual racket control. In the A position, you must press the controller button to swing your player's racket; in the B position, your player will automatically hit a ball within range.

In one-player games the right DIFFICULTY switch controls the computer player's game play. When the switch is in the A position, the computer plays more skillfully than when it is in the B position.
 

SCORING

Scoring is similar to real tennis. Players compete to win games, sets, and finally, to win the match.

GAMES

For each game, points are scored as follows:

First point  = 15
Second point = 30
Third point  = 40
Fourth point = Game

To win a game, a player must have a two-point lead. If both players score three points (40 each), the score is called DEUCE. The next player to score a point has the advantage (AD), and must score another point to win the game.  If the other player scores a point, the score is called DEUCE again until one player scores the necessary two points.

SETS AND THE MATCH

The first player to win six games with a two-game lead wins the set. If the score is six-to-six, another game is added to break the tie. The player that wins two out of three sets wins the match.
 

HELPFUL HINTS

* Try rushing the net after a serve to hit the ball before it bounces.  The other player will hit from the baseline. Then suddenly, hit the ball at an angle - out of the other player's reach.

* Play a one-player slow game to practice different shots against the computer-pro. Then try mixing your shots to catch the computer off guard.

* Try hitting a lob when your opponent comes to the net. This may throw your opponent off balance or give you time to reposition yourself on the court for a new attack.

* If the other player moves up to the net, hit the ball to the baseline.  Your opponent will have a hard time returning the ball in time. Use the same tactic by hitting the ball to the sidelines.