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This is usually not allowed and may result in a turnover or even a goal for the other player. Topping is when you place your pusher over the puck, holding it in place and preventing it from moving. However, if the puck flies out of play when you’re blocking or deflecting it, it’s not a turnover. When this happens, it results in a turnover, with the opponent getting to serve. Sometimes, you may get a little too rowdy and hit the puck hard enough that it flies off of the table. Knocking the puck out of play is a turnover Although there are variations that play to five or 10 or use a timer, playing to seven is the widely accepted version. Play to sevenĪ typical air hockey game goes until one player scores seven goals. It doesn’t count if the puck bounces back out or stops halfway through. As a general rule of thumb, a goal only counts if the puck goes all the way through the slot. The most common way a game of air hockey quickly turns into an argument is when you’re determining if a goal counts.

If a puck is stuck in the dead center of the table, both players are allowed to try and get it without penalty. With a smaller table, you may be able to reach the opponent’s side, but that’s typically an illegal maneuver. One of the most basic rules of air hockey is to stay on your side of the table. However, there are a few basic regulations to keep in mind for fair competitive matchups. One of the best parts about air hockey is that you can learn it in minutes without needing to memorize too many rules. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can also get extra accessories and features, including lights, sound effects, electronic scoreboards, spare pushers, and leg levelers.Īn air hockey table is an ideal addition to your game room alongside your ping pong table, foosball table, and dartboard. ExtrasĪll air hockey tables should come with at least one puck, two pushers or strikers, and one scoring system. For full-size tables, make sure that the fan or blower motor uses at least 100 volts of power for consistent, quiet airflow. Without proper airflow, you won’t be able to push the puck across your air hockey table. Air hockey tables made of solid and heavy materials, such as wood or vinyl, may add additional weight to the table. Typically, the larger the table, the more it weighs. The more your air hockey table weighs, the more likely it is to stay grounded and stable during the heat of gameplay. As you’re searching, eliminate tables that won’t fit in your space or give players enough room to move. Larger tables make for an arcade-like experience, while smaller tables may be better for kids or casual players.

Regulation air hockey tables are around 84 inches long and 48 inches wide, but you can find standard and tabletop tables in a variety of sizes to fit your available space. These air hockey tables are small and meant for casual gameplay. CombinationĬombination air hockey tables are part of a multi-game set, which typically includes table tennis, pool or billiards, and foosball. However, they won’t work if you’re looking for a competitive air hockey experience. They’re small and lightweight if you want to take them to a friend’s house. Tabletop air hockey tables are miniature boards that you place on the table or floor. Another major difference is that standard tables come in various sizes, and arcade tables are regulation size. Standard air hockey tables are usually more affordable than arcade ones because they don’t have some or all of the extra features.

This includes electronic scoreboards, lights, and sound effects. ArcadeĪrcade-style air hockey tables come with all of the bells and whistles you would expect from the ones in your local arcade. TypeĪir hockey tables usually fall into one of the following groups. Read our buyer’s guide below to learn about these aspects and others. Before deciding what air hockey table is right for your game room, there are a range of factors to think about, including who will be using it, how much space you have, and what features you want.

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