What is the best shot against the computer?

A well-placed ball to one corner after a ball to the other.

When the ball comes back high and slow. Use placement on low or fast balls.

How do I play with the keyboard?

Move with the arrow keys or WASD and press Space to serve and smash.

How to Win at Table Tennis: Rally Tips & Strategy

Table Tennis is played first to 11, and you need a two-point lead at deuce. Against the computer, rallies are won by placement and timing rather than raw power. These tips show how to move your opponent around, use spin and choose the right moment to smash.

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Play to the corners

A ball aimed at the middle of the table is easy to return. Aim for the corners instead, switching sides from shot to shot so the computer has to stretch. Wide angles open up the other side of the table, and that is where the winning shot usually goes.

Think one shot ahead. A deep ball to the backhand corner pulls the computer across the table, and the next ball to the opposite corner is often unreachable. Simple patterns like this win more points than trying to hit winners from anywhere. Be patient and let the pattern create the opening for you.

Recover to the centre

After every shot, bring your paddle back toward the middle of your side. From there you can reach either corner in time. If you stay where you hit the last ball, a simple return to the other side will beat you, especially on Hard where the computer places the ball well.

Use spin to break the rhythm

Swiping as you hit adds speed and spin. The computer times its returns on what it expects, so mixing spun shots with plain ones throws it off. A sudden change of pace is often more effective than hitting every ball as hard as you can.

Pick your smash

Save your smash for high, slow balls that sit up over the net. Smashing a low or fast ball often sends it into the net or off the end of the table. When you get a high ball, aim the smash at the open corner rather than straight back at your opponent.

Serve well and stay calm at deuce

Each serve is a free chance to start on the attack, so aim it to a corner instead of the middle. At 10-10 the game goes to deuce and you need to win by two. This is the time for safe, well-placed shots, waiting for the computer to give you a high ball before you smash.

Questions

What is the best shot against the computer?: A well-placed ball to one corner after a ball to the other.
When should I smash?: When the ball comes back high and slow. Use placement on low or fast balls.
How do I play with the keyboard?: Move with the arrow keys or WASD and press Space to serve and smash.

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