LIHA Rules

used in the 2011 U.S. Open

As agreed upon by:
Scott Gordon and Dean Norman, USATT Hardbat Committee,
Peter Cua, Philippine Liha team leader, and

Ty Hoff, United States Federal Association of Sandpaper Table Tennis (FASTT)
07/02/11, Milwaukee WI

Choose who serves first by hiding the ball.
Serve must be an easy forehand long topspin to the opponent's forehand.
- It isn't necessary to toss the ball.
- If the receiver doesn't think the serve is "easy", he/she can catch the ball or tap it back for a let.
Return must be a forehand chop to the server's forehand and should be long.
- The server may catch or stop the ball for a let if he/she isn't satisfied that the return is appropriate.
Starting at the third ball, players can hit freely.
At the end of each point, whichever side of the table the ball lands on, it is that player's serve.
At the start of each game, the initial server alternates (same as normal).

Players are expected to not abuse the option of catching the ball for a let.
Net/edge serves and net/edge service returns are lets.
If the server misses the table or serves into the net, it is loss of point.
If the receiver attempts a chop return and misses, it is loss of point.
It is advisable for players to show their intended serve and return during warmup. Players should then continue to use the same serve/return throughout the match.

Games are to 20.
Deuce is 19-19.
At deuce, play continues starting at 0, and winner is the first to 5 points.
- 4-4 is deuce again, at which point a new race to 5 begins.
If both players mutually agree that repeated deuce battles will go too long, they may decide at the start of a deuce set to play to 5 without the possibility of another deuce.