Why play croquet?
Croquet relies on touch, accuracy and tactics rather than speed and strength, so it’s playable by anyone of any age on equal terms. There are several different forms of croquet, but the two main ones played in the UK are Association Croquet and Golf Croquet. Click on the links to see more about these two games.
The two games use the same equipment, and are are played on the same size lawns with same layout of hops and peg. Golf Croquet is a game of accurate ball placement and straight hitting, so has much in common with golf. Association Croquet requires the building of breaks, and so is similar to snooker or pool. Both games reward strategic planning and clever tactics, and both have a handicap system that allows players of all standards to compete with each other on an equal footing.
Many people enjoy playing both forms of the game as the skills learned in one form may be applied to the other. Both forms of the game may be played as singles or as doubles.
Some players start very young, but many take it up after retiring from more energetic pursuits. It can be as skilful as you want it to be: advanced players can take it very seriously indeed, but most club members see it as a relaxing and friendly way of passing an afternoon.