Why table tennis changed from 21 to 11 points
Until 2001, table tennis games went to 21 points, with 5 serves in a row for each player. In September 2001 the ITTF switched to 11-point games with 2 serves each, and matches became best of 5 or 7 games. The goal was a more exciting sport for fans and TV, where every point counts more and comebacks happen more often.
In this article
Plenty of people learned ping pong playing to 21. In basements, rec rooms and school gyms, the old rule is still around. But in official play, games have gone to 11 points for more than two decades.
Here is when the change happened, exactly what changed and why the ITTF decided to shorten the games.
When did table tennis change from 21 to 11 points?
The change took effect in September 2001, by decision of the ITTF. It was part of a package of reforms to make the sport more appealing:
| Year | Change |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Ball goes from 38 to 40 mm |
| 2001 | Games go from 21 to 11 points, 2 serves each |
| 2002 | Stricter rules against the hidden serve |
The bigger ball is covered in history of the ping pong ball.
21 vs 11: what changed
| Before 2001 | Since 2001 | |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 21 | 11 |
| Serves in a row | 5 each | 2 each |
| Deuce | At 20-20, win by 2 | At 10-10, win by 2 |
| Serve at deuce | Alternates every point | Alternates every point |
| Typical match | Best of 3 or 5 games | Best of 5 or 7 games |
To make up for shorter games, matches got more of them. The current scoring rules are in table tennis scoring, and match length in how many games in a match.
Why the ITTF made the change
The ITTF wanted a sport that was easier to follow and more exciting, especially on TV. The main arguments:
- Every point matters more. In a game to 11, losing three points in a row is already a crisis. In a game to 21, there was time to recover.
- More big moments. More games per match means more tight game endings, the most intense part of any match.
- Shorter serve runs. With 5 serves in a row, a great server could build a huge lead. With 2, the serve switches often and the game stays balanced.
- More predictable match times, which helps tournament schedules and broadcasts.
Many observers also point out that short games make upsets more likely: a weaker player needs fewer good points to steal a game.
How the game changed
The new format changed tactics. With fewer points, you cannot spend half a game feeling out your opponent. Fast starts matter more, and serve and third ball became even more important, because each two-serve run has to pay off. See serve and third ball.
In the current format, the expedite rule kicks in when a game passes 10 minutes without finishing, unless both players have already scored at least 18 points between them.
Can you still play to 21?
At home, sure. If you want the old rules:
- Games go to 21 points.
- Each player serves 5 times in a row.
- At 20-20, the serve alternates every point and you must win by 2.
- Play best of 3 games (or best of 5 for longer matches).
In any sanctioned event, though, it is always 11. All current rules are in table tennis rules.
Frequently asked questions
When did table tennis change from 21 points to 11?
In September 2001, by decision of the ITTF.
Why did table tennis change to 11 points?
To make the game more exciting and easier to follow, with every point counting more, more tight game endings and shorter serve runs.
How many serves did you get in 21-point ping pong?
Five in a row. Today it is two.
Is table tennis 11 or 21 points?
Official games go to 11 points, win by 2. Many casual players still play to 21 out of habit.
How did deuce work in 21-point games?
At 20-20, the serve alternated every point and you had to win by 2, just like at 10-10 today.