Debunking Pong Rules
Serve changes at the end of a game
Does not. The regular serving sequence is maintained throughout the game.
The Skunk
Does not exist. Every game is played until one players has scored at least 11 points
Server loses the point if the ball bounces twice on the receiver's side
Wrong! The receiver has to return the ball after the first bounce on his side, or he loses the point.
The serve may not pass the sideline
Wrong! The only restriction to the serve's trajectory is that the server has to strike the ball behind his end line. From there it can go anywhere as long as it bounces once on his side and then on the receiver's side.
21-point game
It's history. In all official matches games are played to 11 points, win by two.
Rally for serve
If there's no umpire, serve is usually determined by holding both hands under the table, putting the ball in one, spreading your arms and letting the opponent choose a hand.
Actually, if he chooses right, that doesn't automatically give him the serve. It gives him the choice to either decide who serves – he can give the serve to his opponent - or to decide which side he plays on first. If he chooses to decide who serves, the opponent gets to choose sides, even if the other player gave him the serve.
Interference rule
AKA “block rule” - ancient history. There used to be a rule that had you lose the point if you touched the ball in flight before it hit your side of the table, even if it sailed way past it. It has been changed. Now you only lose the point if you touch it before it has crossed the table.
Volleying
There is no volleying in table tennis. The ball has to bounce before you can play it.
