Removing tape from a surface that it has been attached to for many years?

I just got an antique ping pong table. There are two pieces of tape that run across it's width. It's masking tape. The tape has been there for likely 25 years, so it is hard, crunchy, and pretty much "fused" to the table. I can't quite describe it, but I think you know what I mean. I can't get it too wet, because the chipboard will swell up. Any ideas for getting this tape off?