Scoring
A table tennis match consists of the best of three or five games, depending on the competition. A game is won by the player whose score reaches 21 points first. If the scores reach 20—20, a clear lead of two points is required to decide the winner. Players change ends after each game. In the last game, players change ends as soon as one player reaches 10 points.
The first player to win two games in a best of three games match, or three games in a best of five games match, is the winner.
Doubles
In doubles table tennis, partners take it in turns to hit the ball. At no time are you permitted to hit two consecutive shots.
When the ball is returned, the boy must play the next shot. If the girl hits the next shot, play will stop and a point will be awarded to their opponents.
Serving order for doubles.
When it is your turn, serve five times from the right-hand corner of the table, diagonally across the table. One member of your opponents’ team will receive all five serves. Then swap sides with your partner and he or she will receive the next five serves from your opponents.