Starting the match and changing ends

Rule 8 — Server and receiver

Players or teams stand on opposite sides of the net. The server puts the ball into play for the 1st point; the receiver is ready to return that serve.

The receiver may stand anywhere on their own side of the net, inside or outside the court lines. There is no requirement to start inside the marked court.

Rule 9 — Choices before the warm-up

Before the warm-up begins, a toss determines who has the choice of ends and the choice of serving or receiving in the opening game. The toss winner has the following options.

• Choose to serve or receive in the 1st game, leaving the opponent to choose the starting end.
• Choose the starting end, leaving the opponent to choose whether to serve or receive in the 1st game.
• Require the opponent to make either of those choices.

Rule 9, Case 1 — An interrupted warm-up

If the warm-up is stopped and the players leave the court, both players or teams may make new choices. The original toss result still determines who holds the choice; there is no new toss.

Rule 10 — Changing ends

Change ends after the 1st, 3rd and every later odd-numbered game of each set. Also change after a set unless that set contained an even total number of games; in that case, change after the 1st game of the next set.

During a tie-break, change ends after every 6 points. Appendix VI provides separate approved alternative procedures.