What scoring format is used for a standard table tennis game?

A standard table tennis game is won by the first player to reach 11 points, with a two-point advantage required.

If the score reaches 10–10, play continues until one player leads by two points. A game might therefore finish 11–9, 12–10, or at a much higher score if the players remain level. The winner of a match is determined by the number of games won, commonly in a best-of-seven format at major international events.

The scoring target changed from 21 points to 11 in 2001. The International Table Tennis Federation made the change to produce shorter games and increase the importance of each rally. Service also changes more frequently under the 11-point system: players normally serve two points each, then alternate after every point once the score reaches deuce.

A game and a match are not the same thing. The 11-point target decides one game; a match may require four game wins in a best-of-seven contest.