2572. The Game

The game consists in striking the balls from the starting peg through the hoops to the peg at the opposite extremity. The balls are then driven back again to the starting peg. The game may be played by any number of persons not exceeding eight. A larger number renders the game tedious. The best number is four. If two only play, each player may take two balls, and when as many as eight play, there should be two sides or sets. Each player takes a mallet, ball, and croquet clip of the same colour or number, the clip being used to indicate the hoop at which, in his turn, he aims. The division into sides, choice of balls, mallets, &c., is determined by the players among themselves.

2573. Laws of Croquet

In this game, as with many other sports when first established, there were differences of opinion on certain points of practice. In 1870, however, at a conference of Croquet players, the following rules were settled and adopted. They are now accepted by all players.

  1. There shall be no restriction to the number, weight, size, shape, or material of the mallets: nor as to the attitude or position of the striker.
  1. The players shall toss for choice of lead and of balls: and a succession of games shall take the lead alternately and keep the same balls.
  1. In commencing, each ball shall be placed at one foot from the first hoop in a direct line between the pegs; and a ball having been struck is at once in play, and croquetable whether it shall have made the first hoop or not.
  1. A stroke is considered to have been taken if a ball is moved perceptibly; but should the player have struck it accidentally, and the umpire be satisfied that the stroke was accidental, the ball is replaced and the stroke taken again.
  1. If the player make a foul stroke he loses his turn and all the points made therein, and the balls remain where they lie, at the option of the adversary. The following are considered foul strokes:

    1. To strike with the mallet another ball instead of or besides one's own in making the stroke.
    2. To spoon, that is, to push a ball without an audible knock.
    3. To strike a ball twice in the same stroke.
    4. To stop a ball with the foot in taking a loose Croquet.
    5. To allow a ball to touch the mallet in rebounding from the turning peg.
    6. To fail to stir the passive ball in taking Croquet.
    7. If a player, in striking at a ball which lies against a peg or wire, should move it from its position by striking a peg or wire, the ball must be replaced, and the stroke taken again.