are similar to lawn tennis, but there is no second service, as in lawn tennis.
The game of Ping Pong is generally for two, though four players may take part. The double game will afford great amusement if but two rackets are used, as the player must lay her racket down each time for her partner to use.
The player who first strikes the ball across the net is called the server and the other player is called the opponent. The idea of the game is to serve the ball so as to strike the table on the opposite side of the net. The ball is then in play. If it drops into the net, or does not strike the table, it counts in favor of the opponent.
The opponent to whom the ball is served must endeavor to return the ball over the net so that it will strike upon the table. The ball is thus sent back and forth until one player or the other fails to get it over the net so that it will bounce upon the opposite side of the table.
The ball is in play so long as it strikes the table-top and can be taken on the first bounce. Striking before the ball bounces is not allowed.
When the game is finished the server becomes opponent and the opponent server, and so on, alternately.
If the ball in play strikes any object above or round the table before it bounces on the table-top itself (net or post excepted) it counts against the player.
The server wins a stroke if the opponent fails to return the ball or returns the ball in play off the table.
The opponent wins a stroke if the server serve a fault, or fails to return the ball in play, or returns the ball in play so that it falls off the table.
No volleying is allowed; but as long as the ball touches the table-top it is in play and can be taken at half-volley. The opponent loses a point if he takes the ball on the volley.