Table Tennis Scoring and Service Rules
Table tennis moved from 21-point games to 11 in 2001, which made matches shorter, more televisual, and considerably less forgiving of a slow start.
Game and match format
- Each game is played to 11, with two points of margin.
- Matches are best of 5 or best of 7 games.
- Players change ends after every game.
Service rotation
Service changes every two points, regardless of who won them. At 10–10 it changes every single point until the game ends — which removes any serving advantage in the closest phase of the match.
What makes a service legal
- The ball rests on an open flat palm before the throw.
- It must be thrown at least 16 cm straight up.
- It must be struck behind the end line and stay visible to the receiver throughout.
Frequently asked questions
If it still lands legally it is a let: the point is replayed with no penalty, and there is no limit on how many times it can happen.
No — volleying loses the point. The ball must bounce on your side before you return it.