Table tennis scoring: 11 points, serving, and deuce

A table tennis game is usually played to 11 points. The winner must lead by at least two points, so a 10–10 game continues until one side opens a two-point lead.

Serving order

• Before 10–10, service changes after every two points.
• From 10–10 onward, service changes after every point.
• In the next game, the previous game’s receiver normally serves first.

The deciding game

If the match reaches a deciding game, players usually change ends when one side first reaches five points. The score does not change when they switch ends.

Worked scores: when the game is actually over

Use two checks before recording a game win: has someone reached at least 11, and are they two ahead? Imagine 10–10 becoming 11–10, then 11–11, then 12–11 and 13–11. Only the last score finishes the game. Keeping this small progression on a score sheet helps beginners distinguish a point that gives a lead from the point that actually wins. A late tie does not create a sudden-death point.

Service follows points played, not points won

If A serves first in singles, A serves scoring rallies one and two, B serves three and four, and the pattern repeats. Losing a rally does not immediately transfer service. For example, if A loses both opening rallies, A serves at 0–0 and 0–1; B takes over at 0–2. After 10–10, alternate after every point. A valid service let that is replayed adds no point and does not use up one of the allocated scoring rallies.

Doubles: distinguish service rotation from hitting order

Suppose A/B face X/Y and A first serves to X. After the allocated points, the next service pairing is X to B, then B to Y, then Y to A. During a rally, the hitting order also follows A, X, B, Y; partners cannot simply choose whoever is closest to the ball. Doubles service travels from the server’s right half-court to the receiver’s right half-court. The same compulsory diagonal service placement does not apply in singles.

End changes and new games: keep player identity stable

• In the deciding game, change ends when a player or pair first reaches five. A 5–3 lead remains a 5–3 lead after the change.
• In deciding-game doubles, the receiving order also changes at the five-point end change. Have a referee or knowledgeable official confirm it rather than merely exchanging names on a screen.
• At a new game, preserve the completed result and reset only the current game points. Best of five ends when one side wins three games; all five are not compulsory.
• If a service, receiving, or end-order error is discovered, correct the order under the rules and retain points already scored. Do not independently void all earlier rallies.

A practical checklist for a club match

Before a club match, write down the names, games needed to win, first server, and whether the standard 11-point format applies. At each game’s end, retain the actual points rather than writing only “won.” Publish both the match result, such as 3–1, and its four game scores. This makes later checking possible if your event uses game differences or another announced ranking method. If time requires a one-game match, announce that before the first serve rather than changing the format halfway through.