Croquet: As played by the Newport Croquet Club

by Anonymous

Of course if no other point is made on the same blow the tour is finished. The application of the principle is connected with double points. If a single roquet is declined, the effect is the same as if the croquet and continuance of tour were declined; but if a step on the round is declined, it remains the proper step and must be made again, and the tour ceases. If the player wishes to adopt this course he must signify that he declines the run or toll, or he will be presumed to have declined continuance of tour merely. Striking out is not a point, and of course cannot be declined.

Case.—A ball passes through its bridge and recoils under the arch. Can the player decline the run, leaving the ball in position? No. If it ran the bridge, it passes under the arch in the wrong direction in recoiling. So also if the bridge declined is the second of two consecutive ones run, or a single blow—a case more likely to occur, as continuance of tour is then retained by virtue of the first run.

37. If a player decline one of two points made on the same blow, he may continue his tour by virtue of the other.

He should signify which one he intends to decline; and unless he does so, either by words or by the course of play, he may be presumed not to have declined either.

38. A step on the round made and declined must be made again, and when made constitutes a point.

For instance, a ball makes roquet upon another ball, and accidentally glances through its own bridge. If it should be in position after croqueting, it may prefer to decline the run and make it again. It must be remembered that it is not in position if placed under the arch to croquet, and that the roquet must have been legitimate at the time of contact, otherwise the run is the only point made, for the right to re-roquet cannot be antedated.

Case.—A ball makes roquet and runs a bridge at the same shot. After croqueting, he attempts to run the bridge and fails. Can he adopt the previous run? No. The attempt to run the bridge shows that he elected to decline the bridge. If he wishes to play in the direction of the bridge without declining he should signify his election, and then an accidental run will not constitute a point. If he plays in another direction, the bridge is not declined unless he so signify. He has the option at the time, but must make his choice at once; and if he says nothing before he plays, he is committed to that alternative which his play seems naturally to indicate.

39. A step on the round made by a ball through concussion, croquet, or roquet-croquet from another ball, cannot be declined, and the next step becomes proper.

40. A step on the round made by flinch, accident, or misplay, is valid or not at the option of the enemy of the party in fault, who must make their decision at once.

In case of accident or displace through a misplaying ball, it depends upon whether the ball is left or replaced. In case of the misplayer's ball, or a flinching ball, the option is with the enemy. In the cases of Rule 39 there is no option, and in Rule 36 it rests with the player himself.