Table Tennis Rules

• A match is played best of 5 or 7 games.
• A game is played to 11 points.
• A player must win by 2 points (e.g., 12–10, 14–12, etc.).
• Players switch sides after each game and also halfway through the final game if there is one (when one player reaches 5 points).

• Each player serves two times in a row, then the opponent serves two, alternating until the game ends.
• At 10–10 (“deuce”), service alternates every point.
• The ball must be placed on an open palm, tossed at least 16 cm (6 inches) straight up, and hit so it first bounces on your side, then on the opponent’s side.
• If the serve touches the net but still lands correctly, it’s a “let” and is re-served (no penalty).

A point is scored when your opponent:

• Fails to make a correct return (doesn’t hit the ball back onto your side).
• Lets the ball bounce twice.
• Hits the ball off the table without touching your side.
• Touches the table with their free hand.
• Hits the ball before it bounces (volleying isn’t allowed).

The ball must bounce once on your side before you return it, and then land on the opponent’s side.

• The serve must go diagonally, from right half to right half.
• The order of play in doubles is fixed: Server → Receiver → Receiver’s partner → Server’s partner, then repeat this rotation until the rally ends.
• Players must alternate serves after each two points, and switch sides after each game.

• Players change ends after each game.
• In the final (deciding) game, they switch ends when one player reaches 5 points.

• If a player touches the table with their free hand or moves it, they lose the point.
• A ball that hits the edge counts as in.
• A ball that hits the net but lands in is still live (except on serve if it doesn’t land correctly).
• Equipment must follow ITTF standards — racket surfaces must be red on one side, black on the other.