Before you start

After months of play you might still wonder whether a net serve is replayed or lost, or how you win once it’s 10–10. You don’t need to memorize the book — just know the situations that come up often. This is the quick reference.

How many points in a game

The current game is to 11 (changed from 21 in 2001). First to 11 and ahead by 2 wins the game. At 10–10 it enters “deuce”: every point matters and you win by leading by 2, with no 12-point cap. A match is usually best of 5 or best of 7 games.

Three hard requirements: the ball must rest on the open palm, not hidden in a fist; it must be tossed up at least 16 cm (about one and a half palm widths) and near-vertically; and you must strike it on the way down from the top of the toss. In doubles the serve must travel into the diagonal half-court. The common recreational fault is tossing crooked or hitting before the ball falls.

When the point is replayed (let)

If the serve touches the net yet still lands in the correct court, the point doesn’t count and is served again — this is the let people talk about most. A point is also replayed on outside interference (a ball rolls in, someone shouts) or when the umpire corrects a wrong serve order. Note: if the net serve then goes out or fails to cross, that is not a let — it’s a lost point.

When you lose the point outright

  • The ball bounces twice on your side before you return it, or you don’t return it at all (double bounce);
  • The racket touches the ball twice in one swing (double hit);
  • The ball hits your body, clothing, or racket before crossing the net (obstruction);
  • Your return misses the opponent’s court — into the net, to the floor, or onto something else (out or in the net);
  • After your stroke the ball hits the side of the table, not the top edge;
  • The racket leaves your hand during a stroke, or your free hand touches the table.

Edge balls

If the ball touches the top edge of the table, it’s in and play continues. If it touches the side (the vertical narrow face), it’s a lost point. By eye: touching the white line on the top surface counts; touching the black side face does not.

When the serve switches

In singles the serve alternates every 2 points; after 10–10 it alternates every point. Doubles is busier: serve changes every 2 points, and the receiving pair also rotates who receives after each change, forming a fixed four-player order.

Two points often mixed up

A net serve is not a lost point: landing in the right court replays it, only landing wrong or failing to cross loses it. Deuce is not “win at 12”: after 10–10 there is no cap, you must lead by 2.

Wrapping up

The rules exist for fairness, not to trip you up. If the text slips your mind, keep three floors: after your stroke the ball must land on the opponent’s court first; don’t let body or racket touch the net or block the ball before it crosses the line; the score is to 11, and after a tie you need a 2-point lead. Get those right and most disputes never reach you.