Table Tennis Scoring

Table tennis scoring is simple once you know the rhythm: win points, reach 11, and stay at least 2 points ahead. Whether you’re playing casually at home or learning for your first club match, these basics will get you started.

How Points Work

A point is scored after every rally. It does not matter who served. This is called rally scoring.

You win a point if your opponent:

• Misses the table
• Hits the ball into the net
• Lets the ball bounce twice
• Fails to return your shot correctly
• Serves illegally
• Touches the table with their free hand during play

How to Win a Game

A standard table tennis game is played to 11 points. To win, you must lead by at least 2 points. So if the score is 11-9, the game is over. But if the score reaches 10-10, play continues until one player leads by 2.

Examples:

• 12-10 wins
• 15-13 wins
• 20-18 wins

At 10-10, the score is called “deuce.”

Serving Rules

Each player serves 2 points in a row, then service switches to the other player.

For example:

• Player A serves at 0-0 and 1-0
• Player B serves the next 2 points
• Then Player A serves again

Once the score reaches 10-10, players switch serve after every point instead of every 2 points.

Matches: Best of 3, 5, or 7

A match is made up of multiple games. Common formats are best of 3, best of 5, or best of 7 games.

In a best-of-5 match, the first player to win 3 games wins the match.

Doubles Scoring

Doubles uses the same point system: games are still played to 11, and you must win by 2.

The main difference is serving order. Partners must take turns hitting the ball, and service rotates between teams and players in a fixed order. For beginners, the easiest rule to remember is: in doubles, you cannot hit twice in a row for your team.

Calling the Score

When announcing the score, say the server’s score first.

If you are serving and winning 6-4, call “six-four.” If your opponent is serving and you are winning 6-4, they would call “four-six.”

Quick Beginner Example

Imagine you and a friend are playing:

• You win the first rally: 1-0
• Your friend wins the next rally: 1-1
• You win several points and reach 10-8
• Your friend wins two points: 10-10, deuce
• You win the next two points: 12-10

You win the game.

Final Tips

Table tennis scoring becomes natural quickly. Just remember: every rally is worth 1 point, games go to 11, you must win by 2, serve changes every 2 points, and at 10-10, serve changes every point.

Once you know those rules, you can focus on the fun part: keeping the ball on the table and making your opponent move.