8 questions · Sports
Table tennis (basics): A game goes to 11 points; at 10 to 10 you must win by two clear points. You get two serves in a row. You usually need four games. The serve starts with the ball on the open palm; it must be tossed up at least 16 cm. Topspin pulls the ball downward, so it stays in despite the pace. A shot with backspin is called backspin (chop). One side is red, the other black. If the serve clips the net and lands in, it is replayed. Good to know: Until 2001 a game went to 21; cutting it to 11 made sets tenser and quicker for TV. From 10 to 10 the serve switches after every single point. International play is often 'best of seven': four games won is enough. On the serve the ball must be tossed at least 16 cm straight up: hiding it is forbidden. Topspin balls spin so hard they accelerate forward and kick up after the bounce. A ball with backspin stays low and 'dies' at the opponent. The two colours tell the opponent which rubber is being used. Such a net-cord serve is replayed with no point awarded.
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11
A game goes to 11 points; at 10 to 10 you must win by two clear points.
💡 Did you know? Until 2001 a game went to 21; cutting it to 11 made sets tenser and quicker for TV.
Two
Service alternates every two points and at 10-10 after every single serve.
💡 Did you know? From 10 to 10 the serve switches after every single point.
Four
Best of seven means first to four games takes the match: big events also use longer formats.
💡 Did you know? International play is often 'best of seven': four games won is enough.
open palm
The serve starts with the ball on the open palm; it must be tossed up at least 16 cm.
💡 Did you know? On the serve the ball must be tossed at least 16 cm straight up: hiding it is forbidden.
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