One mallet per player
Each player controls one mallet and is responsible for the goal behind it.
Air Hockey rules
How to play, score, and win
Two players, one mallet on each half, one point per goal, and a first-to-7 finish. The table does most of the explaining once you know where each player is allowed to move.
The table sets the boundaries
You defend the goal behind your mallet and attack the goal at the opposite end. The puck can cross the whole table; your mallet stays on your own half.
Stay on your own half
Your mallet cannot cross the centre line, even though the puck can.
A goal is one point
The point counts when the puck travels through the opponent's goal opening.
Rails remain live
A rebound off the side wall still counts if the puck eventually enters the goal.
Reset after every goal
Play pauses briefly and the table returns to the next faceoff position.
First to seven wins
There is no fixed match timer. The game ends when one player reaches seven goals.
A point has three beats
The rally can be chaotic, but the scoring sequence is simple: protect your end, create the opening, then reset for the next faceoff.
Keep the mallet between the puck and your goal
The safest default is a central defensive position with room to react left or right.
Send the puck through the opposite opening
Straight shots and rail rebounds both count. The puck only needs to enter the goal.
Return to centre for the next rally
After the score changes, the table resets and the next faceoff begins.
The mistakes that look legal at first
Can I chase the puck across the centre line?
No. Your mallet stays on your half. Read the rebound early and prepare the next contact before the puck crosses away from you.
Does a rail rebound still count as a goal?
Yes. The rails are part of the live table. A banked puck scores normally if it enters the goal.
Does the game end at six goals?
No. Six is still match point territory. The match ends only when a player reaches seven.
Should I stay where I finished my last shot?
Usually not. Recover toward the middle so the return shot does not find an empty goal.
From rules to better shots
Once the boundaries feel natural, positioning and angle selection become the real game.
Learn the boundary by playing it
The quickest way to understand the centre line, rebounds, and goal reset is to play a short solo match.