Under the table tennis expedite system, the receiver wins the point after 13 successful returns in one rally.
The expedite system is used when a game has not been completed after 10 minutes, unless at least 18 points have already been scored. Its purpose is to prevent unusually long defensive games from continuing indefinitely.
Once expedite applies, the server still serves, but the receiver wins the rally if they make 13 legal returns during that rally. Service also changes after each point rather than following the usual sequence of two serves per player. The system remains in effect for the rest of the match.
The number 13 refers to the receiver’s returns, not the total number of strokes. The server’s initial shot is not counted as a return. This rule is therefore easy to misremember, especially because ordinary games are normally decided by reaching 11 points with a two-point lead.