Mercy Points in Table Tennis Explained

Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Alex Horscroft

The ultimate dilemma. You can see it coming from a mile away, but there’s nothing you can do to stop it. Well, you could, but you aren’t about to give up precious points even if you have a comfortable lead.

You hate it. Your opponent hates it. You both want out. But a decision has to be made, and as the 10-0 leader, the decision is entirely in your hands. May you choose wisely.

The act of gift-wrapping a mercy point is a hotly debated topic in the world of table tennis. And having been both on the receiving and giving end of a few over the years, I feel I’m in a good place to give my two cents.

So What Is a Mercy Point?

A mercy point is an act of giving your opponent a point when you are 10-0 up.

Nobody likes to be white-washed. And this “act of kindness” brings the trailing player back from the brink of total devastation. You couldn’t even win a single point? You must be pretty crap!

Well in this scenario, a mercy point eliminates this kind of thinking. At least, it does a little bit. If you lose 11-1 you still got schooled and won’t sleep too well on the night of the embarrassment.

Are Mercy Points All that Merciful?

While the name strongly implies that mercy points are a good thing, it’s a bit of an opinion splitter.

While I’m on the anti-mercy point side, I can see both sides of the argument. In the interest of helping you form your own opinion, I’ll present a few cases for and against mercy points.

Reasons Why You Should Give a Mercy Point

Sportsmanship

The main reason mercy points came about was to show sportsmanship. As mentioned earlier, nobody wants to be decimated. It’s no fun, and super embarrassing.

Having your score scrape past that dreaded singular 0, even if it’s just by one point, can help you feel better about getting whooped.

By giving a point of your own volition you are demonstrating compassion and showing your humbleness.

You Don’t Need The Point

Let’s face it, you don’t really need that itty bitty point. And look over there at that poor distressed player across the table from you. They sure could do with that point more than you can.

It’s no skin off your back. Why not hand it over to help uplift them a little?

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Give a Mercy Point

Charity

However, you look at it, giving a mercy point is a form of charity. And in my opinion, not the good kind.

Think about it. Feeling obligated to give a mercy point is a bit like an adult knocking at your door on Halloween and asking for candy. Hey! How about you bugger off and buy your own candy?! This if for the kids.

Let me take it one step further. Try and put yourself in the shoes of the recipient. This isn’t about what you want. You’re up 10-0 you greedy so and so.

I think it’s fair to say most people hate being gifted a mercy point. It reiterates their inability to perform to the level they need to. Can’t get a point, here take one of mine, looks like you need it.

Just horrible. I’d rather be 11-0ed. Let me take my loss like a man.

It Could Be The Difference Maker

Now you might think this is silly but hey, crazier things have happened. I can’t ever recall losing a game after being 10-0 up but let’s face it, we don’t often find ourselves in such a position.

If we instead think about the wider table tennis community, it has to have happened to someone, and just imagine how stupid they feel.

Not only did their opponent claw back 11 or more points, but they willingly gave their opponent a point to get them started on their way.

I don’t know about you. But I don’t want to be this poor fella. Think of the nightmares…

Comes Off as Arrogant

Another strong reason to turn a blind eye to the mercy point is that you can come off as a little stuck-up.

Back when I used to occasionally give mercy points I could never shake the feeling of unintentional arrogance. I didn’t want to come off that way. And perhaps I never did. But that’s just how I felt, and a lot of players feel the same way.

By seeing the game out and trying to win every point, I personally feel a little better about the awkward predicament I find myself in.

What to Do When You Get a Mercy Point

Chances are your opponent doesn’t want to be in this situation. So if they give you a mercy point just thank them even though you probably want to give them a friendly little slap for embarrassing you.

Their intentions are good and there’s no need to get frustrated.

What to Do If You Give a Mercy Point

Don’t say a god-damn word. If your opponent wants to acknowledge the “gift” they will do so, but not all will. Some might even be unfamiliar with the act of giving a mercy point.

What you should absolutely not do is go around bragging about how you whitewashed your opponent. It’s a sure-fire way to alienate people and it will give a bad rep.

But hey, if villainy is your thing go on right ahead. Just know that if this opponent ever whitewashes you they’ll probably give you the same embarrassment back two-fold.

So to Ditch or Not to Ditch?

By now you should probably know you aren’t going to come out of a 10-0 situation feeling great whatever route you choose.

It’s more a matter of choosing the outcome that best favors both parties. And to me, that’s to ditch the mercy point and just play the point out. This way your opponent doesn’t feel worthless, you don’t feel arrogant, and there’s less chance of a legendary comeback.

Of course, you always have the option of making a poor shot/serve to try and give your opponent a mercy point without explicitly giving it to them.

However, I feel that most of the time this is pretty obvious. And I can almost guarantee people around you will be paying close attention — it’s not too often someone is 10-0 up. If you decide to go this route my money is on you messing up so it’s not something I would recommend.