The bridges and posts are set in this board in the same manner that the larger bridges are set in the ground on the lawn. The balls should be about one inch in diameter and may be of glass—but box-wood or ivory are better.
The size of the mallets should be in proportion to that of the balls—with handles about eight inches long.
The method of play is the same as in Lawn Croquet, except the croquet is executed by placing the finger instead of the foot on the playing ball. The rules are the same, except that, first, a player driving his ball off the board terminates his tour of play by that stroke and the ball must be placed immediately on the starting spot; second, making two or more steps at one stroke does not entitle the player to the privilege of taking position up to one or more mallet’s length.
The Board Croquet is the most popular for the reason that it does not injure the furniture in any room, while the Carpet Croquet, although more like the Lawn game, requires a large room—well cleared—or there will soon be an action of Croquet vs. furniture.
VOCABULARY.
A Booby.—A ball that has attempted to run the first bridge and failed.
Bridges or Arches.—The iron hoops or bows through which the balls pass.
Bridged Ball.—A ball that has run the first bridge.