Table Tennis Rules

Basic Rules:

  1. Coin toss: Whoever wins the coin toss decides whether to serve first or choose a side of the table.
  2. Service: A coin toss will determine who serves first. The game then starts with a serve. The server must toss the ball and strike it so it bounces once on their side and once on the opponent's side. If the ball touches the net but still lands on the opponent's side, the serve is replayed without penalty (this is called a "let").
  3. Scoring: A point is scored after each ball is put into play. Points can be scored by the receiver if the server fails to make a correct service or return. Conversely, the server scores if the receiver fails to return the ball correctly. The rally continues until one player fails to return the ball according to the rules.
  4. Game Play: The standard game in competitive table tennis is played to 11 points. However, a player must win by at least a 2-point margin. If the score ties at 10-10, play continues until one player gains a 2-point lead.
    • In a 10-10 situation, the next point will be an advantage point which is then lost if levelled (i.e., the score goes back to 10-10). When 2 consecutive points are scored, the final score becomes 12-10.

Match Format:

Service Alternation:

Players alternate serving every two points. In the event of a 10-10 tie, service alternates after every point.