Once regarded as a genteel pastime of the Victorian elite, croquet has evolved into an accessible and strategic lawn game that people of all ages can enjoy. Combining elements of precision, tactics, and sociability, croquet is both charmingly old-fashioned and surprisingly competitive. But what is croquet, and how does it actually work?
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Croquet is a lawn game where players use mallets to hit balls through a series of hoops (also called wickets) in a set order. The goal is to be the first to complete the course. It can be played casually in backyards or competitively with formal rules. The game emphasizes strategy, accuracy, and a bit of friendly competition.
What Exactly Is Croquet?
Croquet is a game where players use long-handled mallets to drive balls through wickets (metal hoops) set out in a specific pattern on a grass lawn. The aim is to navigate your ball through all the hoops and finish by hitting a center peg before your opponents do the same. It can be played in several different formats, but the core objective remains similar across all versions.
This game can trace its roots back to 17th-century France but grew immensely popular in England during the 19th century. Over time, it separated into a few main variants, including Garden Croquet, Association Croquet, and Golf Croquet.
Basic Equipment
To play a standard game of croquet, you’ll need:
- Mallets – Wooden, sometimes plastic-headed, mallets used to strike the balls.
- Balls – Typically made of wood or plastic, and color-coded for each player (red, blue, black, yellow usually).
- Wickets – Metal hoops placed in a fixed configuration on the playing area.
- Center Peg – A vertical stake that players must hit to complete the game.
These items can often be found in backyard or park-ready kits, making casual play easy to set up almost anywhere grassy and flat.
Game Objective and Overview
The objective of croquet varies slightly depending on the style being played, but here’s the universal goal: be the first to guide your ball through all the hoops in the correct sequence and hit the central peg. Along the way, players can use strategy to block or interfere with others’ progress.
In its simplest backyard form, croquet is often played with 2 to 6 players. Those with similar skill levels can pair as teams, especially when playing with more participants. Each player takes turns hitting their ball one stroke at a time, with bonus strokes awarded for passing through a hoop or hitting another ball (known as a “roquet”).
Setting Up a Game
Setting up a croquet course isn’t complicated, and it can be adapted to suit the space available. However, there is a standard setup that is recommended for a traditional game:
- Arrange 6 hoops in a double-diamond pattern over a rectangular lawn.
- Place the center peg in the very middle of the field.
- Spacing between hoops should be symmetrical to offer consistent play.
Once the field is ready, players can decide who goes first—often determined by a coin toss or randomly selected.
How a Turn Works
Each player takes turns trying to advance their ball through the course. During a single turn, a player may:
- Take their shot by striking their ball with the mallet.
- Receive a bonus shot if they successfully pass a hoop or make a roquet by hitting another ball.
Bonus shots allow skilled players to strategize clever moves, including positioning for the next hoop or knocking an opponent’s ball into a disadvantaged spot.
Popular Variants of Croquet
While the general concept remains the same, different forms of croquet offer unique gameplay experiences:
1. Garden Croquet
This is the most casual form. It’s often unstructured, ideal for family gatherings and social afternoons. Rules can be flexible, and gameplay is easygoing.
2. Association Croquet
The most internationally recognized form of croquet, Association Croquet involves more intricate strategies and formal rules. It includes maneuvers like croquet strokes and continuation plays based on certain achievements during a turn.
3. Golf Croquet
Simpler and more accessible than Association Croquet, Golf Croquet allows players to take turns trying to pass their balls through a shared hoop. It’s quicker-paced and focuses more on tactical positioning than drawn-out plays.
Scoring and Winning the Game
To win, a player must guide their ball through all the hoops in a specified order and direction, then finish by hitting the center peg. Points may be awarded for each hoop and the final peg strike, depending on how formal the game is.
Example scoring system (informal backyard game):
- 1 point per hoop (12 hoops total, 6 directional twice)
- 1 point for striking the final peg
- Max: 13 points per player
In team versions, each side has two balls and works collaboratively to guide their balls through the course before opponents do.
Why Play Croquet?
While it may seem old-fashioned at first glance, croquet holds surprising depth and appeal, making it a great game for all types of players:
- Strategic play: Much like chess, croquet empowers players to strategize multiple moves ahead.
- Accessibility: It’s friendly for newcomers and non-athletes due to its relaxed pace and simple rules.
- Social interaction: Croquet is inherently sociable, perfect for picnics, family get-togethers, and club meet-ups.
- Low equipment barrier: Basic sets are inexpensive and easy to store.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re considering taking up croquet, here are some quick pointers for your first few games:
- Learn the basic course order. Memorizing the hoop path helps you focus more on play and strategy.
- Practice striking the ball straight. Accuracy improves dramatically with a consistent swing.
- Watch experienced players. Observing others play can quickly reveal tactical layers and smart positioning.
- Don’t worry about perfect rules. Especially when starting, the priority is enjoyment and camaraderie.
Joining the Croquet Community
If croquet catches your interest, consider joining a local croquet club. Many offer beginner lessons, social matches, and even regional competitions. Being part of an organized group not only improves your skills but also adds a rich layer of community.
Major croquet organizations like the Croquet Association (UK) and the United States Croquet Association offer resources, event calendars, and player rankings, so you can dive as deep as you like into the sport.
Final Thought
Croquet may look simple at first glance, but it’s a time-honored game filled with depth, tradition, and quirky charm. Whether you’re tapping balls in your backyard on a summer’s day or competing in an international tournament, this game offers something for everyone. It’s one of those rare pastimes where strategy, skill, and social exchange meet in perfect harmony.
So next time you see those colorful balls and oddly shaped mallets at a garden party or park, don’t just walk by—give croquet a try. You might just discover your new favorite pastime.