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How to start playing croquet

Two people playing croquet in the parkFor generations, Americans have enjoyed the casual game of croquet at backyard parties or picnics at the park. Since its humble beginnings in France during the Middle Ages, the lawn game of mallets, balls, and wickets has spread and gained popularity throughout the Western world. It has even developed a competitive following, with several formal associations in existence. However, the great thing about croquet is that it can be played virtually anywhere by anyone. All you need is grass or dirt that allows you to put the wickets into the ground – and of course, a good croquet set!

Easy to play in the backyard
The rules of croquet are fairly easy to follow. They can vary somewhat at the competitive level, but for the typical backyard players, the basic rules remain the same and are easy to follow. Much like the game of golf, players must take turns hitting the balls towards a series of targets. Instead of holes, the balls are hit through u-shaped wickets, usually a set of nine. This is accomplished with long, wooden mallets. Generally, croquet can be played by two to six players. Players can be divided into teams, or play “cutthroat” against each other individually.

Flexible game-play
Sometimes the wickets are laid out in a certain pattern, though many times casual players place them wherever they wish. Like golf, the terrain can be used to provide natural hazards and obstacles. There are two stakes which are setup at the beginning and end of the croquet course. The order of play is usually determined the order of colors on the end post. Each competitor has a mallet and ball with corresponding colors.

Playing the game
Two wickets are placed in front of the first stake, marking the start of the course. Players must hit their ball through the first two wickets and then proceed to the next wicket. Generally, the course is circular, meaning the competitors follow the wickets around one direction to the second stake, hit the ball through the other two wickets to that stake, and then take an opposite route back to the first stake to complete the round. To win the game, a player or team must achieve the highest number of points. Points are awarded for every wicket passed through in the correct order and direction.

Croquet sets
There are quite a few quality croquet set suppliers. Many can be found online, while many of the brands are carried in major retail outlets. The cost of sets can vary depending on the materials, the number of players they allow, and the accessories they come equipped with, such as carrying bags. Generally, a good starter croquet set can be found for under $100. Some of the top manufacturers include North Meadow, Franklin, and Oakley Woods.

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Editor's Note: Find below links to more information on Croquet;
More information on Croquet
You can download the rules of Croquet and how to play Croquet from this web site
Watch a video on how to play Croquet
Tags: hobby, sport

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