Regarding ABC and XYZ team system

Table Tennis Match Strategy

Last updated 7 years ago

stephin jith

stephin jith Asked 7 years ago

Is there any difference or advantage in picking abc or xyz system of play in team tournaments.what is the difference between abc and xyz.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago

Hi Stephin,

It depends on your team and how they like to play.  Usually the strategy is that your best player finishes their match first so they would be 'B' or 'Z'.  Your next best player would be 'c' or 'X' and your third player would be 'A' or 'Y'.

ABC usually starts with your weaker player because 'A' also finishes last.  Your best player 'B' has a good spread of matches with reasonable breaks in between matches.

XYZ has your best player 'Z' playing matches with just a one match break between matches.  If your best player likes this format and playing matches in quick succession that can work for your team.

It also depends on who likes playing first or doesn't like it the least...

You also need to consider the match ups you want in the first match.  For example your team may like your best player to match up against a particular player.

Lots to consider when making the choice.

Here is the order of matches:

A v X
B v Y
C v Z
B v X
A v Z
C v Y
B v Z
C v X
A v Y


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stephin jith

stephin jith Posted 7 years ago

We are playing the short version with just 5 matches between 2 teams.ur list is for 9 matches long version.can u help me with the abc-xyz order in 5 match.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago

Do you play a doubles or do you have 3 singles players? 


stephin jith

stephin jith Posted 7 years ago

3 singles players


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago

With that format most teams will choose ABC.  A is your best player and having them start against one of the other teams weaker players means your team should get off to a good start.  Also it gives A a better rest time between matches.  Y is the other teams best player and has to play in matches 2 and 4.


stephin jith

stephin jith Posted 7 years ago

Can u saythe order of the game 

Is it:a-x,b-y,c-z


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago

A v X
B v Y
C v Z
A v Y
B v X


stephin jith

stephin jith Posted 7 years ago

Thnkuu


stephin jith

stephin jith Posted 7 years ago

Is it illegal to wear white jersey in a match using white ball ?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago

Yes it is.  The ball must be a contrasting colour.



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