That's a great question because each point alone represents a mini-battle leading to other outcomes: break points, ads, games, tie-breakers, sets, and match (the war), so; winning points are important, but some points are more important, for instance: if you win the first point of a game you stand a 54% chance of winning the game and if you reach 30 first you stand an 80% chance of winning the game. Those are statistics. They can help you manage points better. Here is a color code system that might help: when you start a game, go with "delayed pressure"--that means when you have an opening go for the right shot, i.e. approach to the net after opening the court and receiving a short ball, drop shotting a player out of position, go for an angle shot, hit a down the line, etc. If you are down by two or more points go with "breakdown pressure"--that means be more defensive and patient (hit percentage shots cross court) until it's right to attack--so it's more cautious than delayed pressure. If you are up by two or more points than you can afford to go for more on second serves, attack the net, etc. We'll call this type of play--"quick pressure."
Here is a quick chart for score management:
breakdown plays=code red
delayed pressure plays=code yellow
quick pressure=code green
0-0 code yellow
0-15 code yellow
15-0 code yellow
15-30 code red
30-15 code yellow
30-0 code green
0-30 code red
40-30 or ad-in code red
30-40 or ad out code red
40-15 code green
15-40 code red
40-0 code green
0-40 code red, yellow, or green (player choice depending on momentum)
The other factor which must be considered is momentum!
If an opponent whacks you with an ace look to attack back as soon as you can. Here's why--if you play a code red and lose you will have shown that you can be beaten physically and mentally. If you run a code green and win or miss at least you will have shown a fighter's toughness. When someone gives you a whack, whack them back! If your serve has been broke, then break serve right away. If they hit a winning shot, you hit a winning shot asap!
If your opponent makes a bad error, run a code green immediately when he/she is down mentally. These momentum "busters/creators" are to be used with the color codes as a tool.
Again, this is not an exact science. It is just a way of playing the percentages. It is a way of managing risk. If you have more than 13 in blackjack, it's best not to take a hit. All points should be played with equal intensity and within your style of play, strategy and tactics that you see fit.
Best of luck.
