Bring back games up to 21
Posted by Jeff Plumb on August 23rd, 2007
21 is Best
Photo by Jeff Plumb
Having played games up to 21 for most of my career, I personally like that method of scoring better. I think it suited my game more by giving me time to settle into each set.
2001 Rule Change
In 2001, the rules were changed to play games up to 11. The idea was to make each set more exciting. The problem with this is that there is no build up to this excitement. Under the old system, when a match got to 20 all in the fifth, you can bet it was a thriller. If every set is close, then unfortunately it becomes routine and then even the close sets are not exciting.
Also I think the change has lessened the value of each set, resulting in more sets being given away. Nowadays, if a player is down 9-5, then they are likely to throw the set. When you played up to 21, you fought hard for every set because it meant more.
What Rule Change?
I’ve talked to quite a few people who are unaware of the rule change or know about it but still choose to play up to 21. In fact at my wife’s office, they choose to still play up to 21. I’ve given them a copy of the Rules you must know brochure and told them this is the way of the future but to no avail.
Never Played to 21
As it has been years since the rule change, there are a lot of players who have never played up to 21. If you are one of these players then I encourage you to play a few practice games up to 21 with 5 serves each just to see what it is like.
Let us know your thoughts …..
Jerry Poon
commented on August 24th, 2007 at 11:04 am
I believe the rule had been changed to 11 was to be aimed at Chinese Team. IT DOESN’T WORK!!
Chinese Team is still the best. It is the time should change back to 21.
Jeff Plumb
commented on August 24th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Hi Jerry,
That is an interesting opinion. I don’t believe the rule was changed because of the Chinese Team. However I still do like the old scoring system up to 21. But I think I am out numbered here. Most people I talk to prefer games up to 11.
Danny H
commented on October 24th, 2007 at 8:47 am
I like the idea of serving 2 points each at 21-points game.
That will combine the new rule with the old system.
However, in order to win the 11-points game, Chinese national teams
are well trained to play 6-points game. It is very fast and very stressful
for them to play. You can try playing 6-point game and see if you like it.
Alois Rosario
commented on November 19th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
These games up to 11 are more exciting. As a spectator it is more interesting because even if the game score is 8 - 2 it isn’t over. At 16 - 4 the game is well and truly over. More peaks more highlights, has to be good for table tennis.
I don’t see more upsets because of the changed scoring. I think the best player still wins most of the time. As for the Chinese, they would be the best with games up to 1, 11, 21, 31 or 101.
Ji-Soo Woo
commented on November 23rd, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I’m still not used to the first-to-11 games either. Still not sure if I prefer it or not to the traditional first-to-21. Basically, every time I win, I love the first-to-11, and whenever I lose, I hate it!
Mark Smythe
commented on April 16th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Anyone living in Melbourne who wants to play competition with games up to 21 then the Croydon TT Club still has 3 competitions per week which has this. Check the website (google Croydon & District TT Club - CDTTA) out for more info.
Phil Boyle
commented on May 12th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I think games up to 11 require more intense concentration and therefore are more intense - and that’s a good thing. There’s no doubt that up to 21 you can switch off with a big lead and still win. Try doing that at 7-2 up, with the other person serving next - suddenly it can be 7-5 and the pressure is back on. It’s easy for a ‘lesser’ player to win a set, but over the match I don’t think it makes much of a difference…