Table Tennis
Also known as: Ping Pong, Ping-Pong, Table Tennis
Games to 11, serves switch every 2. Fast rallies where spin and placement beat power.
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What You'll Need
About This Game
Ping pong. Two players hit a lightweight ball back and forth over a net on a 9x5 foot table. Serves alternate every 2 points, games go to 11. Fast rallies, spin control, and placement matter more than raw power at every level above casual.
How to Play
**Setup:** You need a table tennis table, net, paddles, and a 40mm ball.
**Serving:** Toss the ball at least 6 inches up from an open palm, strike it so it bounces on your side first, then the opponent's. The serve must be diagonal in doubles (not required in singles). Serves alternate every 2 points.
**Rally:** After the serve, players hit the ball back and forth. The ball must bounce once on the opponent's side. Volleys (hitting before it bounces) are not allowed.
**Scoring a point:** Your opponent fails to return the ball, hits it into the net, hits it off the table, volleys, or double-bounces on their side.
**Winning a game:** First to 11 points, must win by 2. At 10-10, serves alternate every single point until someone leads by 2.
**Match:** Best of 5 or 7 games in competitive play.
History & Background
Table tennis started as an after-dinner game for upper-class Victorians in England during the 1880s. They used cigar box lids as paddles and champagne corks as balls. The name "Ping Pong" was trademarked by Parker Brothers in 1901 (from the sound the ball makes). The International Table Tennis Federation formed in 1926, and the sport entered the Olympics in 1988 in Seoul. China has dominated competitive play since the 1960s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play Table Tennis with 2 players?
Yes! Table Tennis 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 Table Tennis take to play?
A typical game of Table Tennis takes about 10-20 min. This can vary based on players' experience level and how quickly decisions are made.
What do you need to play Table Tennis?
To play Table Tennis, you need: Table tennis table, Net, Paddles, and 40mm ball.
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