Table Tennis Game

A side-on table tennis game you can play in the browser. Move your paddle to meet the ball after it bounces on your half, place your returns deep or short, and outlast the computer in a game to 11.

How to play Table Tennis Game

• You play on the right half of the table, the computer on the left. The first player to 11 points wins, but you must lead by two (10–10 becomes a race to a two-point lead).
• Serving: the serve must bounce once on the server’s own half, clear the net, then bounce on the receiver’s half. A serve that clips the net but otherwise lands correctly is a let and is replayed.
• Serve passes to the other player every two points. Once both players reach 10, the serve changes after every point.
• Rallies: let the ball bounce once on your half, then hit it back so it lands on the opponent’s half. Your paddle only connects after that bounce, just like the real rule against volleying.
• You win the point if your opponent’s return misses the table, hits the net and drops back, or if the ball bounces twice on their side.
• Where the ball meets the paddle sets the depth: strike it with the top of the paddle to send it long, with the bottom to drop it short. A fast swing hits harder and deeper, but too much and it flies off the end.

Controls

• Mouse: the paddle follows the pointer. Click to serve.
• Touch: drag anywhere on the table; the paddle sits just above your finger. Tap to serve.
• Keyboard: arrow keys or WASD move the paddle, Space or Enter serves. P or Esc pauses.

Tips

• Get behind the ball early. Moving to where it will be after the bounce is easier than chasing it.
• Gentle swings are safest. Save the fast swing for a high, slow ball you can reach comfortably.
• Mix deep and short returns. A short drop just over the net pulls the computer forward, and the next deep ball is hard for it to reach.
• On Hard the computer rarely misses, so long rallies and patient placement win points.

FAQ

What are the basic table tennis rules in this game?

Games go to 11, win by two. Each serve bounces once on the server’s half and once on the receiver’s half, the serve rotates every two points, and in a rally the ball must bounce once on your side before you hit it back over the net.

What is a let in table tennis?

A serve that touches the net but still lands on the receiver’s half. No point is scored and the server serves again.

How does the scoring work?

Every rally scores a point for someone, no matter who served. The first to 11 wins if they lead by two; from 10–10 play continues until one player is two points ahead. You can also pick a quick game to 5 or a classic game to 21.

How do I hit the ball harder?

Swing the paddle quickly as it meets the ball. A fast swing adds speed and depth, but an over-hit ball can sail past the end of the table and lose the point.

Can I play on my phone?

Yes. Drag on the table to move the paddle and tap to serve. The match is saved after every point, so you can come back to it later.