Ping pong rules quiz: how well do you know table tennis?
Fifteen multiple choice questions on the official ITTF rules, one at a time. After each answer you get a short explanation and a link to learn more. At the end you see your score and can try again.
In this article
Could you umpire a table tennis match? Test yourself with this ping pong quiz of 15 questions on the official rules. Every answer comes with a short explanation and a link if you want to dig deeper.
Loading the quiz...
How the quiz works
- Read the question and tap the answer you think is right.
- The right answer turns green. If you missed, your pick turns red.
- Read the explanation and, if you like, open the Read more link in a new tab.
- Tap Next question until you reach number 15.
- At the end, check your score and tap Try again to go for a perfect round.
The quiz needs no sign-up, does not store your answers and works on a phone. You can also play with just the keyboard: Tab to move between options and Enter to choose.
What the quiz covers
The questions follow the ITTF rules, the international federation's Laws of Table Tennis, and cover the questions that come up most in real games:
| Topic | Example question | Where to study |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | How many points in a game? What about 10-10? | Table tennis scoring |
| Serve | Does it have to go diagonal? How high is the toss? | Serve rules |
| Let | Does a serve that hits the net count? | Let in table tennis |
| Edge ball | Does a ball off the edge of the table count? | Edge ball vs side ball |
| Doubles | Where does the serve go in doubles? | Doubles rules |
| Equipment | Net height and rubber colors | Table tennis rules |
If you missed a lot, start with the table tennis rules summary, which covers the essentials in a few minutes, then try again.
The most common trick questions
Some questions catch out people who have played for years, because so many of us learned house rules:
- "The serve has to go diagonal." Not in singles. The center line only matters in doubles.
- "Games go to 21." They did until 2001. Today a game goes to 11.
- "If it hits your hand, you lose the point." If the ball hits your racket hand below the wrist, the shot is good.
- "A net ball in a rally is a let." Only on the serve. During a rally, a ball that clips the net and goes over is in play.
- "Whoever wins the game serves next." No. The player who received first in the previous game serves first.
Using the quiz in class
PE teachers can use the quiz as a quick review at the end of a rules lesson. A few ideas:
- Put it on the projector and have the class vote on each answer before you reveal it.
- Work in pairs, with one student on the phone and the other explaining the answer in their own words.
- Pair it with the rules sheet: hand out the printable ping pong rules first, then run the quiz to see what stuck.
For school reports on the sport, the table tennis school project guide has an outline with history, rules and basic skills.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in the table tennis quiz?
Fifteen multiple choice questions on the official rules, one at a time, with an explanation after each answer.
Are the quiz answers based on the official rules?
Yes. They all follow the ITTF Laws of Table Tennis, the same rules used in tournaments.
What are the ping pong rules people get wrong most often?
The house rules: whether the serve must go diagonal in singles, whether games go to 21, and whether a ball off the racket hand counts.
Can I use this quiz in class?
Yes. It is free, needs no sign-up and works on phones, computers and projectors.