Game Overview

Croquet is a classic lawn game where players use mallets to hit wooden balls through a series of hoops (wickets) in a specific sequence and direction. The ultimate goal is to be the first to complete the course and hit the finishing stake.

Players

• Minimum Players: 2
• Maximum Players: 6
• Minimum Age: 7

Objective

The objective of Croquet is to navigate your ball through all the wickets in the correct sequence and direction and then hit the finishing stake to complete the game.

Game Setup

1. Lawn Preparation: Set up a rectangular playing field on a flat lawn. The standard size is 100 feet by 50 feet, but it can be adjusted based on the available space.
2. Wickets and Stakes: Place 6 hoops (wickets) and 2 stakes as follows:
   • 1st and 6th wickets at the ends of the field.
   • 2nd and 5th wickets about one-quarter of the field length from each end.
   • 3rd and 4th wickets in the center of the field, forming a diamond shape.
   • The starting stake at one end and the finishing stake at the other.

How to Play

1. Starting the Game:
   • Each player chooses a colored ball and a corresponding mallet.
   • Players take turns hitting their ball from the starting stake towards the first wicket.
2. Turns and Shots:
   • On a player’s turn, they strike their ball with the mallet.
   • The aim is to hit the ball through the next wicket in the sequence.
   • If the ball passes through the correct wicket, the player gets an extra stroke.
3. Scoring Extra Strokes:
   • Players earn extra strokes by:
     • Passing through a wicket in the correct order.
     • Hitting another player’s ball (croquet shot).
   • After hitting another ball, the player has two options:
     • Continue their turn with an additional stroke.
     • Perform a croquet shot by placing their ball next to the hit ball and striking their ball to send both balls in different directions.
4. Sequence of Play:
   • Players must pass through the wickets in a specific sequence:
     • 1st wicket -> 2nd wicket -> 3rd wicket -> 4th wicket -> 5th wicket -> 6th wicket -> finishing stake.
   • After completing all wickets, players head towards the finishing stake.
5. Winning the Game:
   • The first player to successfully navigate their ball through all the wickets in the correct order and hit the finishing stake wins the game.

Additional Rules

• Boundary Rules:
  • If a ball goes out of bounds, it is placed one mallet’s length inside the boundary at the point where it left the field.
• Rerouting:
  • If a player accidentally goes through a wicket out of sequence, they must go back and pass through the correct wicket before continuing.
• Interference:
  • If a ball is moved accidentally or by an outside force, it is replaced in its original position.

Enjoy your game of Croquet and may the best player win!