How to Score in Table Tennis?: A Beginner’s Guide

Scoring in table tennis follows the sequential order: Point→Game→Match. A Game consists of points, and a Match comprises some Games. A Game starts with a serve and the player who wins the rally gets 1 point. The turn of serving rotates after any player delivers 2 consecutive serves.

There are many ifs and buts as we continue further. But don’t get worried! I have tried to present the table tennis scoring system from a beginner’s point of view so that you can get acquainted with the rules of this entertaining sport.

Point System in Table Tennis

Point is the elementary scoring in table tennis. A game follows the rule of an 11-point scoring system. The first player who gets 11 points in his favor, wins the game. But he must win by a margin of 2 points or more. The score sheet may be anything from 11-0/ 0-11 to 11-9/ 9-11.

If the game ties at 10-10, it is “Deuce”. At this point of equality, the game continues till any of the players wins by a margin of 2 points. Each player is allowed to serve once instead of 2 consecutive serves.

Let’s clarify with an example.

Player Y wins the game by 11-13.

A match consists of the best of 3, 5, or 7 games. The best of 5 games is the most common. Prestigious tournaments like the Olympics and World Championships follow the 7 games format.

Situations When a Player Fails to Score

These are the situations when a point is not awarded in your favor.

• You fail to deliver a legal service.
• You miss the ball while serving.
• You hit the ball before it bounces on the table.
• While returning, you allowed the ball to bounce twice or more.
• Your return hits the net or goes over the table.
• You hit the ball twice in succession.
• In Doubles, if your team fails to serve in the right area. However, if the ball touches the centerline, it’s good.
• In a doubles match, you hit the ball out of your turn.
• You obstruct the ball with your body or cloth.
• You move the table and touch the net or table with your free hand.
• If the ball hits the table’s edge, it’s a valid shot. But if your shot hits the vertical side of the table, your opponent gets that point.

Related Topics:

• Table Tennis Rules for Singles and Doubles Game
• Table Tennis Serving Rules: How to Serve Legally