Introduction
Pong is the original competitive video game — two paddles, one ball, first to 11 wins. It looks simple, but the difference between a casual player and a dominant one comes down to positioning, anticipation, and ball control. Whether you're playing against the AI, a friend on the same keyboard, or an opponent online at PlayMore.gg, these tips will give you an edge.
Stay Centered
The most common beginner mistake is chasing the ball to the top or bottom of the screen and getting stuck there. After every return, move your paddle back toward the center of the field. From the center, you can reach any ball — from the edges, you can't. Think of center position as your default, and only leave it when you're actively hitting the ball.
Watch the Ball Angle, Not the Ball
Instead of reacting to where the ball is right now, watch the angle it's traveling. A ball moving at a steep angle will hit the top or bottom wall and bounce back — it won't reach your side as quickly as a shallow-angle shot. Train yourself to predict where the ball will arrive rather than tracking it pixel by pixel. This gives you more time to position your paddle.
Control the Return Angle
Where the ball hits your paddle determines the return angle. Hitting with the center of your paddle sends the ball back relatively flat. Hitting with the top or bottom edge creates a sharp angle. Use this to your advantage — aim for the edges of your paddle to send the ball at steep angles that are harder for your opponent to reach.
If your opponent is stuck near the top, hit the ball with the bottom edge of your paddle to send it low. If they're centered, use a sharp angle to push them to an extreme position.
Speed Increases Over Time
In Pong on PlayMore.gg, the ball speed increases as the total score goes up. Early rallies are forgiving, but by the time the score is 7-6, the ball is moving significantly faster. This means your early-game strategy should focus on building good position, while your late-game strategy needs quicker reactions and shorter movements.
Don't panic when the ball speeds up. Keep your movements smooth and stay near center. Jerky, panicked paddle movements are what cause late-game mistakes.
Use the Walls
The top and bottom walls aren't obstacles — they're tools. A ball that bounces off a wall changes direction, which makes it harder to predict. If you return the ball at a steep angle, it may bounce off a wall before reaching your opponent, giving them less time to react and a less intuitive trajectory to track.
Wall bounces are especially effective at higher ball speeds, where even a small misdirection by your opponent means a missed return.
Playing Against the AI
The AI paddle tracks the ball's vertical position, but it isn't perfect — it has a speed limit and slight reaction delay. You can exploit this by sending the ball at extreme angles that force the AI to travel the full height of the screen. Back-to-back steep-angle returns can outpace the AI's tracking speed.
Another trick: when the ball is on your side, use the time to pre-position your paddle for an edge hit. The AI doesn't anticipate your return angle — it only reacts once the ball is heading back.
Local Multiplayer Tips
In local multiplayer (Player 1 uses W/S or mouse, Player 2 uses Up/Down arrows), the biggest advantage goes to whoever is more comfortable with their controls. If you're Player 1, the mouse gives you faster, more precise positioning than keyboard-only play. Use it.
Communication is part of the fun in local play, but don't let trash talk distract you from watching the ball angle. Stay focused, stay centered, and punish any time your opponent drifts to an extreme position.
Online Multiplayer Strategy
Online play adds a new dimension: your opponent is at your skill level thanks to rating-based matchmaking. Against evenly matched players, rallies tend to be longer, and mistakes are punished immediately.
Key online strategies:
- Vary your angles. Predictable returns let your opponent pre-position. Mix flat returns with sharp angles to keep them guessing.
- Stay patient. Don't try to "win" every return. A safe, centered return is better than a risky angle that you mis-hit.
- Watch for patterns. Many players have habits — they might always return from the same paddle position. Notice these patterns and exploit them.
- Manage disconnects. If your opponent disconnects, they have 60 seconds to reconnect before forfeiting. Stay calm and wait it out.
Common Mistakes
- Overcommitting to one side. Chasing a sharp-angle ball all the way to the edge and then getting stuck there for the next return.
- Hitting with only the paddle center. Flat returns are easy for your opponent. Use the full surface of your paddle.
- Ignoring ball speed changes. The game gets faster as scores climb. Adjust your positioning to stay tighter to center in late-game rallies.
- Mouse overreaction. If using the mouse, avoid jerky movements. Smooth, deliberate tracking beats frantic cursor chasing.
Conclusion
Pong rewards anticipation over reaction. Stay centered, read the angles, control your returns, and keep your cool when the ball speeds up. Simple game, deep skill ceiling.
Ready to play? Play Pong on PlayMore.gg — solo, local, or online!