Croquet is one of the finest of outdoor games.
It is different from most outdoor sports in that it requires delicacy and skill, rather than speed or strength; and tactical ability, rather than reflexes. It has been likened to a mix of cunning chess tactics and accurate snooker skills, but with added fresh air and exercise!
Croquet is played by both sexes on equal terms, and players of vastly different ability can play on level terms through a comprehensive handicapping system. Further, it is suitable for all ages: from school age to old age (for whom it doesn't involve as much bending as bowls!)
Croquet comes in two quite distinct forms:
- Association Croquet is the older version of the game. It is a
competition between two sides (either two individuals or two partnerships), but
it's mostly played in an informal and friendly manner. At least, unless you go
in for formal competitions!
The game is played using four balls: Black and Blue versus Red and Yellow. To win, a side must play both its balls through an 'obstacle course' of 12 hoops in a fixed order, and then complete the game by hitting a central peg with each ball. With the court measuring 35 yards by 28 yards, this is no small task!
Each turn, a player may hit one ball once. However, if the ball goes through a hoop or hits another ball, the player earns extra strokes, and this gives rise to fascinating tactics. In addition, as in snooker, the balls may be hit in a variety of different ways to produce different effects, and practice is needed to master all the possibilities. Nevertheless, the game is enormous fun whatever level you are at! - Golf Croquet is the shorter and simpler game. Here the turns are limited to one stroke each, and only one ball is knocked through each hoop. Golf Croquet can be used as an introduction to croquet before moving on to Association Croquet, but it is in itself a fascinating game.
At Parsons Green, we offer two excellent full-size lawns, in a location close to Central London, and with the added benefits of a full Sports and Social Club as well. Take a look around the site for more info!