When is a rally a let?

Under Law 2.9 of the Laws of Table Tennis (ITTF Statutes 2026), the rally is a let (replayed, no point) if:

• on the serve, the ball touches the net assembly, as long as the serve is otherwise correct (or the receiver or their partner obstructs it);
• the serve is delivered when the receiver isn't ready, as long as neither the receiver nor their partner tries to hit it;
• a player fails to serve, return or comply with the Laws because of a disturbance outside their control; or
• the umpire or assistant umpire interrupts play.

Play may be interrupted to correct an error in serving, receiving or ends; to introduce the expedite system; to warn or penalise a player or adviser; or because playing conditions are disturbed in a way that could affect the rally.

Wheelchair receivers have extra service lets (for example, a serve that comes to rest on the receiver's court, or after bouncing returns towards the net).

A ball that clips the net during a rally (not the serve) and lands on the opponent's court is a good return, not a let.