GOLF AND ASSOCIATION CROQUET
This Page explains a bit more about what each game involves.
All Croquet relies on touch, accuracy and tactics rather than speed and strength, so it’s playable by anyone of any age on equal terms. There are several different forms of croquet, but the two main ones played in the UK are Golf Croquet and Association Croquet.
The two games use the same equipment, and many people enjoy playing each. Golf Croquet is a game of accurate ball placement and straight hitting, so has much in common with golf. Association Croquet allows bonus shots, and is similar to snooker or pool. Both games reward strategic planning, and include a handicap system. This allows a smart player the chance to outfox an opponent, no matter what their level of physical expertise.
GOLF CROQUET A simple introduction
The game is played with four balls, Blue and Black versus Red and Yellow. Unlike Association Croquet, each turn consists of just one shot, and play is strictly in sequence: Blue, then Red, then Black, and finally Yellow, then the sequence begins again with Blue.
All four balls attempt to get through Hoop 1. As soon as one ball is successful, that side scores a point, and all balls move on to attempt the next hoop in the sequence. The first side to seven points is the winner.
Cannoning the opponent out of position is legal. Players will often clear an opponent’s ball 30 yards, in the hope of keeping it out of range. Tactical complexity arises out of blocking shots, and putting the other players out of position, while putting your partner into a better scoring opportunity.
Handicaps
The handicap system is based on extra turns, called “bisques”. Weaker players receive a number of these bisques, and can use them not to score hoops but to clear the other balls or take position and so compete against better players.
ASSOCIATION CROQUET A simple introduction
“Association” Croquet is played with four balls, Blue and Black versus Red and Yellow. Each side has to guide their balls through a circuit of hoops. The winner is the side which scores all 12 hoops for each ball, and hits them against the centre peg. If a ball scores its hoop, it earns another shot, and if it hits one of the other three balls, a “roquet” it earns another two shots.
The first of those two extra shots is called a “croquet” stroke. For this, you pick up your ball, place it touching the other ball, and hit it, so that both balls move. Play this right and you can send the other ball somewhere useful, and your ball close enough to another ball to easily “roquet ” it and earn more bonus shots or in front of a hoop so you can score it. Skillful players can string together a series of bonus shots, and score several hoops in one turn.
Handicaps
The handicap system is based on extra turns, called “bisques”. Weaker players receive a number of these bisques, and can use them to score hoops or croquet the other balls and compete against better players.