RULES OF TABLE TENNIS

ADDING UP THE POINTS

    •    The winner of a match is the one who wins the first THREE or FOUR games (according to the competition).
    •    A game consists of 11 points.
    •    There must be a gap of at least two points between opponents. If the score is 10-10, the game goes in to extra
         play until one of the players has gained a lead of 2 points, at the earliest when the score is 12-10.
    •    The point goes to the player who successfully ends a rally.
    •    The score of the server is always announced first

SCORING

A player scores a point when his opponent commits one of the following errors:

    •    The player isn't able to return the ball.
    •    The player returns the ball outside the opposite side of the table.
    •    The player lets the ball bounce more than once in his own court before returning it.
    •    The player touches the ball several times successively.
    •    The player strikes the ball in volley (without it bouncing on the table) above his side of the table.
    •    The player moves the table during play.
    •    The player touches the net or a post.
    •    The player's free hand touches the table.
    •    The player makes a bad service (see Service).

RULES OF THE GAME

If the ball touches the table surface, it is good. If it touches the side of the table, it is bad. A player is not allowed to strike the ball in volley. Two possible scenarios:

    •    If the opponent's ball leaves the table and I strike the ball in volley behind the table, then the point is given to me
    •    If the opponent's ball leaves the table, but I strike the ball in volley above the table, then the point is given to my opponent.

SERVICE

The initial order of serving is decided by lot. Service changes every 2 points, except during periods of extra play where it changes each time . Service must adhere to the following rules :

    •    The ball rests freely on the open palm of the hand .
    •    The hand holding the ball must be above the level of the table .
    •    The ball shall be projected upwards (at least 16 cm).
    •    The ball should be struck when it is falling and behind the table .
    •    The ball should first bounce in one's court, then in the opponent's court .
    •    The ball can pass over the sides of the table .

Service can be diagonal and also in a straight line in singles. Service can be replayed when :

    •    The ball touches the net or its supporting posts before touching the opponent's court ("let" service)
    •    The ball touches the net then is struck in volley by the opponent without it touching his court .
    •    The receiver was not ready at the time of service .

DOUBLES

Service must be diagonal, from the right half court (marked by a white line) to the opponent's right half court. After that, play can cover the whole table, but each partner must take his turn. Service changeover:

    •    A1 serves to B1 (2 services),
    •    B1 then serves to A2 (2 services),
    •    A2 then serves to B2,
    •    B2 serves to A1 and continuing in this way for every 2 services

Following service, each player of course plays in turn. In addition to the aforementioned cases in singles, a doubles team scores a point when its doubles opponents make one of the following errors:

    •    At service, the player lets the ball bounce on the left half court, on either side of the court.
    •    A player strikes the ball when it is not his turn.

Obstruction is not an acceptable claim for players of the same doubles team.