by In table tennis, 10–10 is not the end of a game. It is the point at which the usual scoring rhythm changes: one player must build a two-point lead before the game can finish.
What does deuce mean in table tennis?
Deuce begins when both players reach 10 points. The score is commonly called “10-all,” and the game continues until one player leads by two points.
For example, a score of 11–10 does not end the game because the lead is only one point. If the next point goes to the trailing player, the score returns to 11–11. If the leading player wins again, the game ends at 12–10.
There is no fixed maximum score under the standard table tennis scoring system. A close game can continue through 15–15, 20–20, or beyond until someone creates the required two-point gap.
How serving changes after 10–10
Before deuce, players normally serve two points each before the service changes. At 10–10, that changes to one serve per player. The service switches after every point for the rest of the game.
The player who serves first after the score reaches 10–10 follows the established serving order. Once that point is played, the opponent serves the next point, and the players continue alternating one serve at a time.
This rule applies in singles and doubles, although doubles still follows the required order of servers and receivers. Players must keep that order rather than choosing who serves after each point.
How a deuce game is won
A player wins the game as soon as they are two points ahead after deuce. These scores would end the game:
- 12–10
- 13–11
- 14–12
- 21–19
These scores would not end it:
- 11–10
- 12–11
- 15–14
- 20–19
The same principle applies no matter how long the game lasts. A player does not win simply by reaching 11 after deuce; they must be two points clear.
How deuce fits into a table tennis match
Deuce decides an individual game, not the entire match. Under the standard format, a game is played to 11 points, and a match is usually the best of an odd number of games, such as best of five or best of seven.
If a player wins a deuce game at 14–12, that counts as one game won. The match then continues according to its format. Tournament organisers, schools, clubs, and recreational groups may use different match lengths, but the two-point rule normally remains the same unless the competition regulations say otherwise.
Common questions about table tennis deuce
Does the game stop at 11 points?
Only if the winner has at least a two-point advantage. A score of 11–9 ends a standard game, while 11–10 does not.
Do players serve two times at deuce?
No. Once the score reaches 10–10, the service changes after every point.
Can a table tennis game go beyond 11–11?
Yes. The game can continue indefinitely until one player leads by two points.
Is there a sudden-death point?
Not in the standard rules. There is no automatic final point at 11–11 or any later tied score. Some informal games may agree to a different rule before play begins, but that is not the normal competition format.
What happens if the wrong player serves?
Officials should correct the service order when the mistake is discovered, following the applicable competition rules. Points already played may be treated differently depending on when the error is noticed, so players should stop and alert the umpire rather than attempting to resolve a serious dispute themselves.
The simplest way to remember table tennis deuce rules is: at 10–10, serve one point at a time and keep playing until one player leads by two.
