How to Play Croquet?

Croquet is one of the best games that you can play in your own backyard. And because it is a game played in groups, it can help you in establishing a healthy bond with your siblings or your visiting cousins.

However, unlike other games, many people don’t know how to play croquet. We admit that the rules of the game can get a little tricky, but it makes the sport all the more exciting!

So, in this article, we discuss how to play croquet. We will also discuss some major croquet rules. Take a look:

What Do You Need To Play The Game Of Croquet?

Croquet is an interesting game that is played by using mallets and balls. To play the game of croquet, you need mallets, balls, wickets, and stakes. Along the equipment, the game of croquet is generally played between six people. So make sure that you have six mallets and balls of different colors., nine wickets, and two stakes.

(Image Courtesy: Oxford Croquet)

How To Play Croquet?

To understand the game, we first have to get well-versed with the rules of croquet. Let’s make note of them first.

Rules Of Croquet

Each player chooses a particular mallet color. The color of the mallet decides which player will go first. Wickets are planted at a proportionate distance in a double diamond formation that is flanked by two stakes at the starting and midway point. The player who completes the entire course first is declared as the winner of the game.

(Image Courtesy: Farm & Fleet)

Playing Croquet

Now that we know the rules and objectives of croquet, let’s see how the game is actually played. But before that, we’d like to address that there are different versions of croquet. The one which we will be discussing is called ‘Poison,’ which is a singles game.

(Image Courtesy: Hayneedle)

Each player has to strike the ball with their mallet in such a manner that it goes through the wickets. If the player manages to successfully pass the ball through the wickets, then he/she gets a second stroke. If they miss, the next player gets the turn, and the game progresses likewise. The main objective of the game is to pass the ball through each wicket and come back to the starting point. Once a player has returned to the starting point, he is declared the ‘Poison,’ i.e. if he strikes the ball and it touches the ball of another player, that player will directly be eliminated. What makes the game tricky is the fact that there can be multiple ‘Poisons’ at one time, which eventually makes the game challenging.

So, there you have it. Have you ever played the game of croquet in your life? Let us know in the comments below.

(Featured Image Courtesy: Above & Beyond)