Table Tennis Rules – lets, points, games & matches

Table Tennis Rules – A Let, a Points, a Game & a Matches

2.9 A LET

2.9.1 The rally shall be a let:

2.9.1.1 if in service the ball touches the net assembly, provided the service is
otherwise correct or the ball is obstructed by the receiver or his or her
partner;

2.9.1.2 if the service is delivered when the receiving player or pair is not ready,
provided that neither the receiver nor his or her partner attempts to strike
the ball;

2.9.1.3 if failure to make a service or a return or otherwise to comply with the
Laws is due to a disturbance outside the control of the player;

2.9.1.4 if play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire;

2.9.1.5 if the receiver is in wheelchair owing to a physical disability and in service the ball, provided that the service is otherwise correct,

2.9.1.5.1 after touching the receiver’s court returns in the direction of the net;

2.9.1.5.2 comes to rest on the receiver’s court;

2.9.1.5.3 in singles leaves the receiver’s court after touching it by either of its
sidelines.

2.9.2 Play may be interrupted

2.9.2.1 to correct an error in the order of serving, receiving or ends;

2.9.2.2 to introduce the expedite system;

2.9.2.3 to warn or penalise a player or adviser;

2.9.2.4 because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect
the outcome of the rally.

2.10 A POINT

2.10.1 Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point

2.10.1.1 if an opponent fails to make a correct service;

2.10.1.2 if an opponent fails to make a correct return;

2.10.1.3 if, after he or she has made a service or a return, the ball touches anything
other than the net assembly before being struck by an opponent;

2.10.1.4 if the ball passes over his or her court or beyond his or her end line without
touching his or her court, after being struck by an opponent;

2.10.1.5 if the ball, after being struck by an opponent, passes through the net or
between the net and the net post or between the net and playing surface;

2.10.1.6 if an opponent obstructs the ball;

2.10.1.7 if an opponent deliberately strikes the ball twice in succession;

2.10.1.8 if an opponent strikes the ball with a side of the racket blade whose
surface does not comply with the requirements of 2.4.3, 2.4.4 and 2.4.5;

2.10.1.9 if an opponent, or anything an opponent wears or carries, moves the
playing surface;

2.10.1.10 if an opponent, or anything an opponent wears or carries, touches the net
assembly;

2.10.1.11 if an opponent’s free hand touches the playing surface;

2.10.1.12 if a doubles opponent strikes the ball out of the sequence established by
the first server and first receiver;

2.10.1.13 as provided under the expedite system (2.15.4).

2.10.1.14 if both players or pairs are in a wheelchair due to a physical disability and

2.10.1.14.1 his or her opponent does not maintain a minimum contact with the seat
or cushion(s), with the back of the thigh, when the ball is struck;

2.10.1.14.2 his or her opponent touches the table with either hand before striking
the ball;

2.10.1.14.3 his or her opponent’s footrest or foot touches the floor during play.

2.10.1.15 as provided under the order of play (2.8.3).

table tennis match win2.11 A GAME

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.

2.12 A MATCH

2.12.1 A match shall consist of the best of any odd number of games.