Definition: In table tennis, the skunk rule is not an official ITTF law. Instead, it is a widespread home, work or pub rule, which states that if one player reaches a score of 7 points, while his opponent has 0 points (in a game up to 11 points) or 11-0 (in a game up to 21 points), then the game has been won by that player reaching 7 or 11 points.
Although probably originally intended to bring a merciful end to a bad game for the player being beaten, instead it seems to bring about much taunting from the winning player, who often takes great joy in telling everybody that he “skunked” the other player.
Also Known As: mercy rule
