• The ball must rest freely on the open palm of the server's free hand, which must be stationary, open, and flat, with fingers together and thumb free.
• The server must project the ball near-vertically upward, without spin, at least 6 inches after leaving the palm.
• The ball must be struck only on its descent — hitting the ball on the way up is illegal.
• The ball must first bounce on the server's side of the table, then pass over the net and bounce on the receiver's side.
• The ball and racket must be above the level of the playing surface from the start of the serve until it is struck.
• The ball must be visible to the opponent and the umpire at all times during the service — no hiding the ball with any part of the body or clothing.
• If the umpire is doubtful about the legality of a serve, they may first warn the server without awarding a point, but any subsequent illegal serve results in a point for the receiver.

• After the serve, players take turns hitting the ball.
• A returned ball must pass over the net (or around it) and bounce on the opponent's side of the table.
• A ball that touches the net but still goes over and lands on the other side is a valid return (except on serve — see Lets).

A rally is a let (point is replayed, no score change) if:

• The serve touches the net but is otherwise legal (a "net serve").
• The serve is delivered when the receiver is not ready (and the receiver does not attempt to strike the ball).
• Play is interrupted by circumstances beyond the players' control (e.g., a ball from another table rolls onto the playing surface).

There is no limit to the number of consecutive let serves.

A player scores a point when the opponent:

• Fails to make a correct service.
• Fails to make a correct return.
• Hits the ball before it bounces on their side (volleying is not allowed).
• Hits the ball twice in succession.
• Lets the ball bounce twice on their side.
• Strikes the ball with the side of the racket blade that has no rubber.
• Moves the playing surface or touches the net with any part of the body or clothing during the rally.
• Places their free hand on the playing surface during the rally.

• A game is won by the first player to reach 11 points.
• If the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one player leads by 2 points (e.g., 12-10, 15-13).
• Service alternates every 2 points.
• At 10-10 (deuce), service alternates every 1 point.

• A match is the best of any odd number of games (commonly best of 5 or best of 7).
• Players switch ends after each game.
• In the deciding game, players switch ends when either player reaches 5 points.
• The player who served first in one game receives first in the next game.

• A ball that hits the top edge (the top surface of the table near the edge line) is in play and counts.
• A ball that hits the side of the table (the vertical surface below the edge) is out.

If a game has not concluded after 10 minutes and fewer than 18 points have been scored, the Expedite System is activated:

• Service alternates after every point.
• If the receiving player makes 13 correct returns, the receiver wins the point.
• Once activated, the Expedite System remains in effect for the remainder of the match.