Outdoor & pub games
Table tennis
- players
- 2–4
- minutes
- 20
- years
- 6+
In the box
1 table and its net · Paddles · Balls
Box details
- Origin
- Traditional game, with no specific designer or publisher
- Mechanics
- DexterityReal-TimeTeam-Based
Where to buy it
Near you
In a shop
Within 50 km.
The basics
Make the ball bounce on your opponent's side without them being able to return it. On the serve, the ball is tossed vertically from behind the table and must bounce once on each side; service changes every two points, then every point from 10-10. Each rally won scores a point, a game is won at 11 points with a two-point lead, and the match is played as the best of an odd number of games, most often five or seven.
The rules, step by step
Setup
Table 2.74 × 1.52 m, Net 15.25 cm high, Singles or doubles
- A table 2.74 metres by 1.52, a net 15.25 centimetres high.
- Singles or doubles.
How to play
Toss of at least 16 cm, Serve 2 points each, Then 1 each from 10-10
- The serve is made by tossing the ball vertically, at least 16 centimetres, from behind the table.
- On the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side.
- Service changes every two points, then every point from 10-10.
Scoring
1 point per rally, Game to 11 points, 2-point lead
- Each rally won scores a point.
- A game is won at 11 points with a two-point lead.
End of the game
Odd number of games, Best of 5 or 7
- The match is played as the best of an odd number of games, set before you start: the rules do not impose any particular number.
- Matches are most often played as the best of five or seven games; Marquoir's counter also offers the best of three, for a short match.
Going further
Variants · Frequently asked questions · In the same family
Variants
Format
Best of 3 sets
Best of 5 sets
Best of 7 sets
Singles or doubles
Singles
Doubles
Two pairs: one column per pair.
choose them when you start a game: the scorer adapts
Frequently asked questions
How are points counted?
Rally-point scoring: every rally won gives a point, whether serving or receiving. A game is played to 11 points, with a two-point lead.
How many serves each?
Two serves each, alternately, then change. At 10-10, it becomes one serve each until someone leads by two points.
Are there rules for the serve?
Yes: the ball is tossed vertically at least 16 cm, struck from behind the table, and bounces once on each side. The ball must be visible, on an open palm.
How many bounces during a rally?
Only one on your side: return the ball after it has bounced once on your half of the table. No volleys allowed.
How many games to win?
Best of an odd number of games, agreed before the match: most often five or seven (three or four games to win). For a short match, the best of three is played to two games.