Why does the computer score so easily on Hard?

You are probably leaving your goal open. Stay back between the puck and your net.

How do I hit the puck harder?

Move your mallet forward through the puck as you hit it.

Can I use the keyboard instead of the mouse?

Yes, the arrow keys or WASD move the mallet, though a mouse or finger is finer.

How to Win at Table Hockey: Air Hockey Tips

Table Hockey is a race to seven goals against a computer that gets sharper on Normal and Hard. You win by keeping your goal closed and scoring with shots the computer cannot read. These tips cover positioning, shooting angles and how to handle a fast puck.

Table Hockey
Play Table Hockey ›

Defend first

Your default position is in front of your own goal, not in the middle of the table. Keep your mallet between the puck and your net, and move sideways with the puck rather than charging at it. Most goals against you come from chasing the puck up the table and leaving the goal empty.

Keep your mallet a short distance in front of the goal line rather than right on it. That gives you room to move sideways and to step forward into a block, while still covering both corners of the net. Return to that spot after every shot, even when you are tempted to follow the puck up the table.

Block, then attack

When the puck comes at you fast, block it rather than swinging wildly. A clean block slows the game down and leaves the puck on your side, ready for a controlled shot of your own. Swinging at a fast puck often deflects it straight back toward your goal.

Hit through the puck

A puck struck while your mallet is moving forward travels much faster than one you simply bump. Pull back slightly, then move through the puck toward the target in one motion. A fast, straight shot is hard to stop, but only if it is aimed at the corners of the goal.

Use bank shots

Bank shots off the side walls are harder for the computer to read. Aim at a point on the wall halfway between you and the goal so the puck rebounds toward the far corner. Mixing bank shots with straight shots keeps the computer guessing and opens up the middle.

Pick the right difficulty

Start on Easy to learn how the puck bounces, then move up. On Hard the computer reacts quickly and punishes loose shots, so patience pays: wait for a puck you can hit cleanly instead of slapping at everything. A careless shot that rebounds off its mallet can fly straight back into your goal.

Questions

Why does the computer score so easily on Hard?: You are probably leaving your goal open. Stay back between the puck and your net.
How do I hit the puck harder?: Move your mallet forward through the puck as you hit it.
Can I use the keyboard instead of the mouse?: Yes, the arrow keys or WASD move the mallet, though a mouse or finger is finer.

Table Hockey
Play Table Hockey ›