This most simple form of croquet is played in several varieties, on either 6-wicket or 9-wicket backyard court settings, for four balls (with two to four players) or six balls (for two to six players). In all versions, the wickets must be contested one by one in the order of the course until one of the balls scores the wicket and earns a point for its side, after which the next wicket is immediately contested. No bonus strokes are earned for hitting other balls or scoring wickets. Golf Croquet is the perfect game for large social events, as it can be quickly learned and a game typically can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
This is the variety of the sport most commonly played in most countries other than the U.S. and Canada, and in most international competitions. International Rules are almost always played in the major croquet-playing countries of England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Egypt, and the European nations.
This most complex of sports is the variety usually played at
member clubs of the USCA. It calls for well maintained, level lawns cut very
short and involves complex strategy and advanced shot-making skills. It is
played regularly by five to ten thousand people in the U.S. and Canada at
approximately 600 venues, ranging from modest lawns on municipal turf and
in real estate developments and residence homes to large multi-lawn facilities
at sports and country clubs and resorts. The official rule book for this game
can be ordered from the USCA
Played on the traditional 9-wicket, two-stake, double-diamond court, this is the casual, social game played by millions of people in North America. Using up to six balls and as many players, the many varieties of this game are usually played with lightweight, inexpensive 6-ball sets popularly available at discount stores for as little as $35.00. Backyard Croquet is usually played on long grass or other slow or irregular surfaces. These online rules begin with a simple presentation accessible to most backyard groups and interests, branching to several advanced options for the more ambitious or serious players.