Air Hockey
Also known as: Air Hockey table game
Smash a puck across a frictionless table. First to 7 goals. Pure speed and reflexes.
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What You'll Need
About This Game
Two players face off across a low-friction air table, striking a plastic puck with handheld mallets (strikers). Score by getting the puck into the opponent's goal slot. Games to 7. It's fast, loud, and exactly as aggressive as it sounds.
How to Play
**Setup:** Turn on the air blower. Each player stands at one end of the table with a mallet/striker.
**Play:** The puck is served by the player who was last scored on (or a coin flip to start). Hit the puck with your mallet to shoot it toward the opponent's goal.
**Key rules:**
- Only touch the puck with your mallet (no hands, no body)
- The mallet cannot cross the centerline
- If the puck goes off the table, it's re-served by the player who was scored on
- "Topping" the puck (lifting your mallet on top of it) is a foul
- After a goal, the scored-on player gets the next serve
- Each player gets one 10-second timeout per game
**Winning:** First to 7 goals wins. In tournament play, matches are best of 7 games.
History & Background
Phil Crossman, Bob Kenrick, and Brad Baldwin developed air hockey at Brunswick Billiards in 1969, with a commercial release in 1972. The United States Air-Table Hockey Association (USAA) formed in 1975 to standardize competitive play. The game's peak arcade popularity was in the 1970s-80s, but competitive play continues with a dedicated tournament circuit. The key innovation was the air cushion created by tiny holes in the playing surface, which virtually eliminates friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play Air Hockey with 2 players?
Yes! Air Hockey is an excellent choice for 2 players — in fact, it's designed specifically for a duo. You'll get the full experience without any compromises.
How long does Air Hockey take to play?
A typical game of Air Hockey takes about 5-10 min. This can vary based on players' experience level and how quickly decisions are made.
What do you need to play Air Hockey?
To play Air Hockey, you need: Air hockey table. That's it — no special equipment required.
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