Table tennis rules, for watching
Start with how a match works. Then the rules you see every few minutes, then the ones that change results.
Settling an argument? Search all 25 rules
- How does scoring work in table tennis?
- How many games are in a table tennis match?
- How many serves does each player get in table tennis?
- What is the expedite rule in table tennis?
- How does a team match work in table tennis?
- What are the rules for serving in table tennis?
- What makes a serve illegal in table tennis?
- What happens if the serve hits the net in table tennis?
- How do you win a point in table tennis?
- Is an edge ball good in table tennis?
- What happens if the ball hits you in table tennis?
- Can you touch the table in table tennis?
- Is a double hit allowed in table tennis?
- What is a let in table tennis?
- What are the rules for doubles in table tennis?
- How many time-outs are there in table tennis?
- What happens if a table tennis player is injured?
- Can a coach talk to a player during a table tennis match?
- What do yellow and red cards mean in table tennis?
- Who are the officials in table tennis, and can a player challenge a call?
- How big is a table tennis table?
- How high is a table tennis net?
- What are the rules for a table tennis ball?
- What are the rules for a table tennis bat?
- How is wheelchair table tennis different?
Where these rules come from
| Tag | Document |
|---|---|
| L plus number | ITTF Statutes 2026, chapter 2, The Laws of Table Tennis (Laws 2.1 to 2.15), read in full |
| Reg plus number | The same document, chapter 3, Regulations for International Competitions: 3.1 scope, 3.2 equipment and playing conditions, 3.3 match officials, 3.4 match conduct, 3.5 discipline, 3.7.5 to 3.7.7 groups and team matches |
| R | "Why the rule exists", or a point reasoned from the rule, not stated in it |
| C | Common usage or general knowledge, not a rule |
All checked on 13 October 2026. Not covered: the ITTF Handbook for Match Officials (which holds the working interpretations: edge balls, returns round the net, penalty points at game point); the ITTF technical leaflets and the lists of approved equipment; World Table Tennis (WTT) and Olympic event rules, including the number of video reviews; para table tennis classification; the draw, eligibility and world championship regulations (3.6, 3.8, chapter 4).
Not covered: the ITTF Handbook for Match Officials (which holds the working interpretations: edge balls, returns round the net, penalty points at game point); the ITTF technical leaflets and the lists of approved equipment; World Table Tennis (WTT) and Olympic event rules, including the number of video reviews; para table tennis classification; the draw, eligibility and world championship regulations (3.6, 3.8, chapter 4).