The objective of Croquet is to be the first team to knock their balls through 12 hoops in order and hit the peg and win.

Croquet can either be played by individuals, using either one or 2 balls each. Or played with doubles, each player has their own ball. Or triples with 3 players 2 team or 2 players 3 teams.

In regulation Croquet, the blue & black balls play against the red & yellow balls. We however do not judge a ball by their color and usually let each other choose their own teams and balls.

In order to win, complete the course going through the hoops in the least number of strokes.

The ball must pass through the hoops in the direction it is currently heading. If you miss going through a hoop, you must go back and retry going through that hoop in the direction you are going.

You hit once per round, unless you hit your competitors ball, hit it through the hoops, or hit one of the end pegs. If you do one of those action, you get an extra hit each time. You can make up big distance with this strategy. My personal best was getting 6 shots in one turn. To do this, I went through 4 hoops at knocked 2 of my opponent’s balls.

If you are looking for the full set of Croquet rules, the United States Croquet Society has great instructions. This will get you through the entire game and any other disputes can be judged by group or random game of chance. We let a little slide especially when its time to bring out the Beer Croquet Rules.

How to Roquet (Smack) your Competitors Ball

Most peoples favorite moment playing, is when you get to Roquet. When you hit a competitors ball, you then get the smug pleasure or rocketing their ball far of the course, which is a ton of fun. This term is called a Roquet.

Each time you do a Roquet, you are rewarded with an extra swing. Sometimes your competitor hits their ball close to yours or they just get in your way on your way to the Hoop.

You are not allowed to hit their ball but you may smack your ball into their sending it flying. Keeping your ball secure with your foot smack the ball that bounces their ball away while you stay in the same place. This ensures the game is always kept interesting, as you can get roqueted at any point in the game.