How to Keep Score in Table Tennis
Table tennis uses rally scoring, so every rally produces a point. A game normally goes to 11, but play continues beyond 10–10 until one side leads by two.
Start a table tennis scoreboard- Standard game
- First to 11, win by 2
- Common match
- Best of 5 games
- At 10–10
- Serve changes every point
How table tennis scoring works
- 01
Award one point to the winner of every rally.
- 02
End the game at 11 only when one side leads by at least two points.
- 03
Change service every two points before 10–10, then after every point.
- 04
Record the game and reset the rally score until one side wins a majority of the scheduled games.
Choose the rules your event uses
Governing bodies, age groups, and tournament directors can use different formats. Confirm the format before play.
A common tournament and club format.
Used in many major championship matches.
Useful for pools, youth play, and short schedules.
Keep the scoreboard clean
- ✓Add one after every rally.
- ✓At 10–10, wait for a two-point lead.
- ✓Choose the scheduled match length before play.
Read the complete rules
This guide covers scoreboard essentials, not every playing rule. Local competition rules take precedence.