Ping Pong Rules You Can Learn in Two Minutes

Ping Pong Rules You Can Learn in Two Minutes

Ping pong is one of the easiest sports to start playing—and one of the quickest ways to begin arguing with your friends about the rules. Fortunately, the basics are simple. A game is played to 11 points, but you must win by at least two. That means a 10–10 game continues until somebody takes a two-point lead.

Each player normally serves two points in a row before the serve passes to the other player. Once the score reaches 10–10, the serve switches after every point. To make a legal serve, place the ball on your open palm, toss it upward, and strike it so that it bounces once on your side of the table and then once on your opponent’s side. A serve that touches the net but still lands correctly is called a let, and you simply serve again.

During a rally, you return the ball after it bounces once on your side. You earn a point when your opponent misses the table, hits the ball into the net, allows it to bounce twice, or fails to make a legal return. The top edges of the table count as part of the playing surface—but a ball that strikes the vertical side does not.

So, who goes first? In an official match, the opening choice is determined by lot. In a casual game, players often flip a coin, spin a paddle, hide the ball under the table, or use any fair method they can agree on. The winner may usually choose to serve, receive, or start on a particular side. After that, stop debating, pick up the paddle, and go play.