The essentials for your next game.
Reviewed 8 October 2026 against Chapter 2 of the ITTF Statutes 2026.
Scoring and service
- Games are played to 11, with a two-point winning margin.
- Service changes every two points; at 10–10 it changes after each point.
- Serve from a stationary open palm. Toss near vertically, without spin, at least 16cm; strike the falling ball.
- Keep the ball above table height, behind your end line and visible to the receiver until struck.
- A serve bounces on your court, then the receiver’s. An otherwise legal serve touching the net is a let.
Rallies and doubles
Returns must touch the opponent’s court. In doubles, serve right half-court to right half-court and alternate partners’ returns. At a service change, the receiver serves and the previous server’s partner receives.
Common point losses
Illegal serves, missed returns, obstruction, moving the playing surface, touching the net assembly, or touching the playing surface with your free hand lose the point.
Equipment
The table measures 2.74 × 1.525m, stands 76cm high, with a 15.25cm net. Competition racket coverings must meet applicable ITTF requirements.
Read the complete ITTF Statutes 2026 (PDF)
See the full laws for para table tennis provisions.