What happens when the score of a table tennis game is 10 to 10?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 08, 2026
A point is scored after each ball is put into play. The edges of the table are part of the legal table surface, but not the sides. Each player serves two points in a row and then switch server. However, if a score of 10-10 is reached in any game, then each server serves only one point and then the server is switched.
What will happen in a table tennis game if the score is 10-all?
If a score of 10-all is reached, both players will only serve 1 serve each until the game is won. The score is called out with the server's score first. In the final possible game of a match, when the first player (or doubles team) reaches 5 points, the players must change ends.
How are table tennis points scored?
In table tennis, you score a point by keeping the ball in play longer than your opponent. If your opponent misses a ball you served or hit last, you get a point. However, make sure the ball bounces off of your side of the table and then bounces again off your opponent's side of the table.
Why are table tennis games played to 11 points?
Up until 2001 a table tennis game was played up to 21 points. But in order to make the game more exciting, have more "crucial" points, and to make it more appealing to television viewers, the rules of table tennis were changed. A game of table tennis is now played up to 11 points.
When the score is tied 10 to 10 it is called?
EXCEPTION: After tied 10-10 (“deuce”), service alternates at every point.
20 related questions foundIs table tennis 11 or 21 points?
A game in table tennis is played until one of the players scores 11 points or if there is a 2 point difference after the score was tied (10:10). A game used to be played until 21, but that rule was changed by the ITTF in 2001.
What is table tennis Deuce?
In sports like tennis and ping pong, a deuce is a tie. One player must score two consecutive points to break the deuce and win. This can go on for a while if the players are well-matched. A hard-fought point could feature one deuce after another.
What is table tennis stroke?
The stroke is normally used for short balls, and its purpose is to stop your opponent from making an attacking shot. Start by standing close to the end line, facing the table. Your paddle should be open, 45%, and the backswing should short and with your hand close to your chest.
What are the rules of serving in table tennis?
Legal Service
The ball must rest on an open hand palm. Then it must be tossed up at least 6 inches and struck so the ball first bounces on the server's side and then the opponent's side. If the serve is legal except that it touches the net, it is called a let serve. Let serves are not scored and are reserved.
What happens if you get hit by the ball in ping-pong?
If the ball hit you above the playing surface it is your opponent's point, even if it was clearly going out. If the ball had gone past the table and then hit it, it would be your point.
What happens on the serve if the ball hits the net but still goes over to the opponents side?
During a serve, if the ball hits the net but still bounces on the opponent's side of the table, the point is a let (which means it needs to be replayed). If the ball hits the net and doesn't make it to the other half of the table, the receiver is automatically awarded a point.
What if the ping-pong ball hits the side of the table?
However, the vertical sides are NOT part of the playing surface. Therefore, if the ball hits a white line or a top edge of the playing surface it is "in" (good). But if the ball hits a vertical side it is "out" (not good).
What are 3 rules of serving in table tennis?
You're free to serve anywhere, diagonally or straight, from any location. When you serve, the ball cannot fall off the side of the table. It must bounce twice or fall off the end, but not the side.
What is a smash in table tennis?
The forehand smash is a fast, hard and powerful stroke that aims to force the opponent away from the table or to win a point outright. However, the shot is not always about force and requires the player to use good timing, technique and precision simultaneously.
What is the size of the table in table tennis?
The table. The upper surface of the table, known as the playing surface, is 2.74m long and 1.525m wide and is horizontal 76cm above the floor.
What are the 4 basic strokes in table tennis?
To get started, you'll just need to learn four basic strokes: the forehand drive, the forehand push, the backhand drive and the backhand push. Once you've mastered these strokes, you can go on to more complicated techniques that will raise the level of your game.
What does love stand for in tennis?
Love – A term used in tennis instead of the word 'nil' or 'zero'. It is used to describe a lack of score in either points, games or sets. i.e. a game score of 30-0 is given as '30 love' and a set score of 6-0 is given as 'six love'. Straight Sets – The name given to a win in a tennis match without losing a set.
Why is a score of 0 called love in tennis?
In tennis, love is a word that represents a score of zero, and has been used as such since the late 1800s. It's not perfectly clear how this usage of love came to be, but the most accepted theory is that those with zero points were still playing for the "love of the game" despite their losing score.
What does AD mean in tennis?
AD – Short for Advantage. It is the point scored after Deuce. If the serving side scores, it is Ad-in. If the receiving side scores, it is Ad-out. ALL – An even score.
What are the 5 rules of table tennis?
The 5 Basic Rules Of Playing Table Tennis
- 1.No Hands On The Table. Believe it or not, leaning your hands on the table is not allowed in the sport. ...
- When Serving, The Ball Must Be Thrown 15mm. ...
- If The Ball Hits The Net On Service, You Should Serve Again. ...
- The Ball Must Be Held In A Flat Palm Above The Table. ...
- Rubber Colors.
Who invented table tennis?
In 1890, Englishman David Foster, attracted by its wide appeal, introduced the first game of tennis on a table.
Who is the father of table tennis?
Ivor Montagu (1904-1984): Founding Father of Table Tennis: Sport in History: Vol 28, No 3.
When was the 21 point scoring system changed to the 11 point scoring system in table tennis?
These laws and regulations came into effect on 1 September 2001. 2.11. 1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points unless both players or pairs score 10 points, when the game shall be won by the first player or pair subsequently gaining a lead of 2 points.
Can you touch the table in table tennis?
Your opponent gets a point if any part of your body or racket touches the table. No – this is a very frequently misunderstood rule in table tennis. The ONLY part of the body that cannot touch the table is your FREE HAND – i.e. the hand not holding the racket. The rest of your body can touch the table any time.
What happens if a serve hits the net and goes over tennis?
If a served ball touches the net but lands in, it is replayed because the net interfered. On any other shot in the game, however, if the ball touches the net and lands in, it remains in play. You lose the point if you fail to return an opponent's good shot before the second bounce.