Air Hockey Duel – Circular Paddles, Friction Puck, First to 5
Air Hockey Duel is a local two-player air hockey match on one keyboard. Move circular paddles with WASD and arrow keys, strike a friction-slowing puck, and drive it through the opposite goal. Matches end when someone reaches five points.
Updated 2026-08-03 · two-player
About this game
Each player is locked to their half of the table with a round mallet. Paddle velocity transfers into the puck on contact, walls bounce shots with damping, and only the mid-height goal openings count as scores. After a goal the puck resets from center with a fresh serve direction. Press R anytime to reset both scores and paddle positions for a rematch.
Controls
| Player | Keys |
|---|---|
| Player 1 | W A S D (left mallet) |
| Player 2 | Arrow keys (right mallet) |
| Both | R = restart · First to 5 wins |
Common use cases
- Settle a quick first-to-5 air hockey rivalry on the same laptop keyboard.
- Practice angled paddle strikes and goal-line saves before a longer couch session.
- Demo friction-based puck physics without installing a desktop sports game.
Tips
- Swing through the puck—still paddles barely nudge it, while moving mallets add speed.
- Guard your goal mouth early; mid-table chasing often leaves the net open.
- Use the boards: bank shots off the top or bottom rail to slip past a static defender.
FAQ
Do paddles stay on their own half of the table?
Yes. Each circular paddle is clamped to its side of the center line, so you defend and shoot from your half only.
Why does the puck slow down mid-rally?
Continuous friction damps velocity every frame. Keep striking with a moving paddle if you want high-speed shots.
What counts as a goal in Air Hockey Duel?
The puck must leave through the side goal opening at mid-height. Hitting the wall outside that slot simply rebounds.
How do you win a match?
The first player to score 5 goals wins. Press R to restart scores and positions for another match.