What is a Let in Table Tennis? The Official ITTF Rules

You might have heard the term “let’’ before in reference to ping pong or table tennis rules. I just looked up the word in the ITTF, (International Table Tennis Federation) handbook and I am about to explain to you what a let is and all of the different circumstances that can result in one.

A “let’’ in table tennis or ping pong is when neither side receives a point and the rally starts over. There are several circumstances that can result in a let. The most common example is when the ball hits and goes over the net during a serve.

Now we will go into more detail on lets and I will explain all of the circumstances that can result in one.

If you want a more simplified version of the essential rules in this handbook, then read our article here: Official Ping Pong Rules: The Ultimate Guide to Serving, Scoring and More.

What is a “Let” in Ping Pong?

A “let” simply means that the point gets replayed and neither side receives a point or loses any points. It is equivalent to a “do-over” as many people would say or a “mulligan,” which is a term used in golf. However, I think that the term mulligan is un-official while a Let is something in the official rules of table tennis.

Who Calls a Let in Table Tennis?

The umpire is the person who would call a let during a table tennis match. He has the power to decide what is or what does not constitute a let during a match.

What Constitutes as a Let in Table Tennis?

The official rules state several different scenarios that result in the rally being a let:

If during a serve the ball hits and goes over the net onto the opposite side. If the ball hits the net and does not make it over to the receiver’s side of the table then the receiver gets a point and this is not a let.
If the server serves the ball before the receiver(s) are ready and the receiver(s) don’t try to hit the ball.
If there is a disturbance which is outside of the player’s control that results in the player not being able to return the call.
If the game is interrupted by the umpire.

When Play is Interupteded by the Umpire for the Following Reasons:

To correct an error in the order of serving
To switch to the expedite system
To warn or penalize a player
If the game is disturbed by an outside force in a way that could alter the outcome of the point

Let Rules Specifically For Players in Wheelchairs:

The following circumstances are only applicable to players who are in wheelchairs due to disabilities. This is due to the fact that players in wheelchairs have a limited reach over the table with their arms when compared to someone standing.

If the ball ball goes back in the opposite direction, (back towards the net) after touching the receiver’s side of the table.
If the ball completely stops moving on the table on the receiver’s side of the net.
Only during singles: If the ball hits the table on the edge on either of the white sidelines and then leaves the table.

What is the Difference Between a Let and a Fault?

A fault in table tennis refers to when the server fails to complete a legal serve which results in the opposing player gaining a point. A let, on the other hand, results in neither player receiving a point and the rally being replayed.

Although the term “fault” is not used in the official rules handbook, people use this term in the above manner.

There are many things that can result in a fault, but here are a couple of examples:

When the server hits the net with the ball and the ball does not go over the net.
If a player touches the table with their hand that is not holding the racket.

Both of the above examples would result in the opposing player receiving the point.

Learn more about What is Not Allowed in Ping Pong here.

Why is it Called a Let?

People can’t seem to agree on where the word comes from. Here are a couple of theories floating around on the web though:

The word originated from the old Saxon word “lettian” which means “to hinder.”
Maybe the word let is used simply because the rules “let” the player replay the point.

How Many Lets Are Allowed in Ping Pong?

There is no limit to the amount of lets that can be called in a single match.

The Definition of Let in the Official ITTF Handbook:

Here I copied and pasted the exact section out of the handbook in case you want to quickly read it. I basically summarized this above in more layman’s terms.

A LET

2.9.1 The rally shall be a let:

2.9.1.1 if in service the ball touches the net assembly, provided the service is otherwise correct or the ball is obstructed by the receiver or his or her partner;

2.9.1.2 if the service is delivered when the receiving player or pair is not ready, provided that neither the receiver nor his or her partner attempts to strike the ball;

2.9.1.3 if failure to make a service or a return or otherwise to comply with the Laws is due to a disturbance outside the control of the player;

2.9.1.4 if play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire;

2.9.1.5 if the receiver is in wheelchair owing to a physical disability and in service the ball, provided that the service is otherwise correct,

2.9.1.5.1 after touching the receiver’s court returns in the direction of the net;

2.9.1.5.2 comes to rest on the receiver’s court;

2.9.1.5.3 in singles leaves the receiver’s court after touching it by either of its sidelines.

2.9.2 Play may be interrupted

2.9.2.1 to correct an error in the order of serving, receiving or ends;

2.9.2.2 to introduce the expedite system;

2.9.2.3 to warn or penalise a player or adviser; 2: The Laws of Table Tennis ITTF Statutes 2023 Page 42 2.9.2.4 because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect the outcome of the rally.

ITTF Statutes Handbook 2023

Here is a link to the official ITTF rules and regulations handbook if you want to see it for yourself. Tip: the easiest way to find info in the handbook is to scroll all the way to the bottom and look at the table of contents first.

Now Go Play Some Ping Pong!

Hopefully, I helped you to understand exactly what a let is in table tennis. Now that you know what it is and what results in a let you can go go play with confidence.

Click here for simplified singles rules with a PDF download.

Click here for simplified doubles rules with a PDF download.

Read: how to learn to play table tennis on a week.