Part 2

Assuming that each player has a ball and a mallet, that the bridges are arranged in either of the three positions given in diagrams Nos. 1, 2 and 3, we now come to the mode of playing the game. The object is to drive the balls through all the bridges, in the direction indicated by the dotted lines on the diagrams, and to strike the two posts. The side, all of whose members succeed in performing this feat first, wins the game. Now although this is the chief object of the game, yet the act from which it derives its title, to wit: “Croquet,” is of much greater importance than would at first be imagined. If a player hit with his ball any of the others, he is allowed to place his own against the ball he has struck, and setting his foot upon his own ball, he hits it with the mallet, and the force of the blow drives off the other ball while the playing ball remains stationary. As a player is allowed to Croquet either friend or foe, it is evident that he can do a great deal of damage or service, according to his inclination, since he is at liberty to drive the ball in any direction he pleases.

The Roquet-Croquet is an operation still more interesting than the Croquet as it is susceptible of much greater skill in its execution. This is accomplished the same as the Croquet, except that instead of holding one ball firmly by placing the foot upon it, both balls are left free to be driven together by the blow of the mallet. By practice and a skillful placing of the balls a stroke may be made that will cause the balls to diverge in any forward directions the player may desire.

In commencing a game, the first chief places his ball one-third the distance from the starting post to the first bridge, and endeavors, by striking it with the end of his mallet’s head, to drive it through the first bridge. If he succeeds, he continues his turn and attempts to send the ball through the second bridge, and then through the third, for driving the ball through a bridge, or hitting another ball, generally imparts the privilege of an additional stroke.

When one ball driven by a blow of the mallet hits another, it is said to make _Roquet_ on that ball.

When the first player, who should be black, has missed, white goes on, and the other players follow in the order of the colors on the posts, and very soon comes the opportunity to use the great advantages of the Croquet and Roquet-Croquet. Often when a player has his ball in a good position in front of a bridge, another will hit it, and then by Croquet or Roquet-Croquet drive it to the other end of the ground, compelling it perhaps to take two or three turns before it can regain its former position. Occasionally two or three balls lie close together, and one is struck by a ball which was some distance off. The player is now allowed to place his ball by the side of the one it has struck, thus gaining position near the others, so that after croqueting it he is almost sure of hitting the others.

As an example of the use of the _Roquet-Croquet_, we will take diagram No. 1, and suppose that white plays with success through the first two bridges, and that black lies somewhere beyond the second bridge. Now if there was no other ball near, it would be impossible for white to continue to play and pass through the third bridge, because it will require one stroke to get in position for that bridge: but if white can _Roquet_ black, then she can _Roquet-Croquet_ with black up in front of the third bridge, and then, as the Roquet gives another stroke, play through the third bridge and perhaps through the fourth and fifth. If below the fifth she should find, say the brown ball, to _Roquet-Croquet_ with, it would be possible to get in front of No. 6, and then down to the turning post and hitting that return up through No. 6. Here the brown ball may again be roqueted, and then roquet-croqueted, into position for No. 8, and so on. This of course could only happen if _white_ was an extra player and the other balls were in very favorable positions, but it serves as an illustration of the use of this very valuable stroke. The player who reaches the turning-post first, has great advantages for a time, for as soon as he touches it, he commences his return journey, and meeting the other players on their way to the farthest point of their journey, he is able to croquet them and considerably impede their progress.

When a player has passed through all the bridges, he becomes what is called in the technical language of Croquet, a rover, and is privileged to rove about all over the ground, croqueting his friends and foes. It is therefore obvious that a good player can prove, when thus situated, of immense advantage to his side, and should generally avoid hitting the starting post till all on his side have passed through the last bridge. The excitement towards the end of the game, often becomes intense, and each stroke is watched with the keenest interest. Gradually, one by one, the players hit the post, until perhaps only two remain, and now occurs an opportunity for skillful play. The object of both is first to hit the post, and failing in that, to keep as far off his adversary as he can. Each endeavors, at the same time drawing nearer to the great object in view, to keep the post between his and the other ball. At length one plays at the post, misses it, and sends his ball near his adversary, who first hits it, next croquets it away, and then strikes the post, and wins the victory.

ARRANGEMENT OF THE BRIDGES.

Diagram No. 1.

THIS arrangement of the bridges, which is the simplest of the three we have drawn, is the one which we recommend for all eight handed games, or for beginners.

The figures marked on this diagram are intended merely to furnish a relative scale of distances. Thus with these distances the posts are 53 feet apart, which is perhaps more than is desirable, unless the ground is very perfect, or the players experts.

The course of the ball is indicated by the dotted lines, and the arrows show the direction in which the balls proceed on the round. It will be observed that bridge No. 3 is to the left of No. 2. As represented in this diagram, bridges 3 and 10 are set a little in advance of 2, and 6 a little in advance of 5 and 8. Some players prefer that 10, 2 and 3 should be in a straight line, and the same with 8, 6 and 5. We prefer to have 3 and 10 enough in advance of 2 to make it just possible for an expert by a _very_ superior stroke to run No. 2 and get position for No. 3 at one blow, and the same with 5, 6 and 8. In short, we would have the arrangement such that it is not absolutely _impossible_ for a player to make the grand round in one tour, without the aid of the roquet. This of course would very rarely be accomplished,—never, except by extraordinarily skillful play,—yet it should be made possible, but very difficult.

Diagram No. 2.

In this the same number of bridges are used, as in the first diagram; but the bridges numbered respectively 4 and 9, instead of being placed parallel to the others, are now at right angles to them; thus in playing from 3 to 4, the ball must keep to the left of 4, and then pass through it, from the outside of the game; a much more difficult arrangement than the first, and somewhat more difficult than the third, although at first sight it may not appear so.

Diagram No. 3.

In this, the third diagram, it will be seen that the two center side bridges are done away with, and that one is placed in the center of the ground instead; but although in the play we now require one bridge less than in the former diagram, yet the player will have to pass through the same number of bridges as before, since he travels twice through the bridge in the center, once on his way to the turning post, and once on his return. This is the best arrangement of bridges for a four-handed game. As the player’s knowledge of Croquet increases, many other positions will suggest themselves; but those we have presented are the simplest, and are the diagrams in general use at the present time. Some authors recommend the invariable use of diagram No. 1, as being sufficiently difficult, especially when bridges 10, 2 and 3 are on a line.

RULES OF THE GAME.

Striking the Ball.

I. AT the commencement of the game the ball should be placed on a line drawn from the starting post to the center of the first bridge, and at a distance from the starting post, equal to one-third the distance from the post to the bridge.

[The rule usually given, i. e., to place the ball a mallet’s length from the post is very well for a large ground where the distance from post to bridge is nine or ten feet, but for a small ground it brings the ball too near the first bridge.]

1. In striking, the mallet should be used with one hand, and the striker should stand on one side of, and not behind the ball.

2. The ball _must be struck_ and not pushed—a push never being allowable under any circumstances; and the blow must be given with the _face_—never with the side—of the mallet head.

[A ball can never get into such a position on a croquet-ground that it cannot be struck in some direction, and if it is in a bad position it is either the fault or the misfortune of the player owning the ball—which he is not to be allowed to rectify by a push, for that would sometimes be rewarding bad play.]

3. Whenever the mallet hits the ball, if it moves it however slightly, it must be considered a stroke.

4. The player may if he wholly miss his ball, strike at it again.

II. The game is opened by the chief holding the ball corresponding in color with the top of the post, and the players on the two sides follow alternately according to the order of the colors on the posts.

[The playing must necessarily be in the order of the colors on the post. But on some grounds the chief is allowed to assign the balls to the several players on his side according to his own choice; thus according to this rule the chief is not compelled to play the first ball. We do not advise this practice as there is generally some real or fancied difference in the mallets and hence a chief is liable to offend some one in the distribution of the materials. There are other objections which we have not space to discuss.]

1. A player who misses the first bridge is called a booby, and at his next turn must strike his ball from the position to which it last rolled.

[The above rule is based upon the almost universal practice of the best players in this country. The following is gaining favor in England: “A ball missing the first bridge must be immediately picked up and played from the starting spot, at its next turn.” Both practices have peculiar advantages over the other, which we have not space to discuss.]

2. A roquet made _upon_, or _by_, a booby does not entitle the player to an extra stroke; neither can a booby croquet or be croqueted.

3. If any ball is played out of its proper turn and discovered before the play of another ball has commenced, the misplayed ball may be returned to its original place, or permitted to remain in that to which it has rolled, at the option of the chief of the opposing side. But if the mistake is discovered before the player has finished his turn and the misplay be allowed, the misplayer shall be permitted to finish his turn. If the chief does not permit the misplay, the misplayed ball shall be returned to its original place, and any damages sustained or advantages gained by either side shall be canceled. If the misplay is not discovered before the play of another ball commences, or is allowed, the misplayer cannot use his next turn as he has anticipated it.

4. If a player use a wrong ball, all the balls moved by such play must be returned to their former position, and the misplayer lose his turn.

Running a Bridge.

III. A player continues to play so long as he makes a point in the game.

1. Making a point is running one or more bridges, striking the turning-post in order, or performing the roquet (except on a booby, or on a ball the second time in one tour without making an intervening _step_.)

2. A player is allowed but one extra stroke, even though he make roquet and run one or more bridges at one stroke.

3. If a player makes two steps at one stroke, he may take position one mallet’s length or less, in any direction from where the ball rested.

4. If a player makes three steps at one stroke, he may take position as above up to two mallet lengths or less.

IV. The bridges must be passed through in their regular order in the direction of the course. (This is called running a bridge.)

1. A ball runs a bridge when it passes through it in order and course, by a direct blow, by roquet, roquet-croquet, croquet or concussion. Hence, for a player to drive his ball through a bridge out of its regular order, or from the wrong side counts no more than to pass over any other part of the field.

2. A ball is not through its bridge when the handle of the mallet laid across the two piers of the bridge upon the side from whence the ball came, touches the ball without moving the bridge.

3. A ball passing under its bridge in the wrong direction is not in position to run the bridge until it has passed clear through according to the foregoing rule.

4. A ball lying under a bridge is not in position for that bridge if it has been so placed by the hand for the purpose of croquet or roquet-croquet, no matter from what position it may have been taken.

[If the ball was taken from the back of the bridge, it would not be in position, having come from the wrong side, as above. Now if it should be allowed that a ball may be taken from the front of the bridge and placed under the bridge without losing position, as would at first seem proper, then the question immediately arises as to a ball when taken from a position directly on a line with the two piers of the bridge, thus coming from neither front nor back. This question can rarely be settled without dispute, to avoid which we have considered the adoption of the above rule as most judicious.]

V. Tolling the _turning_ post is in all respects equivalent to running a bridge, but the post may be tolled from any quarter.

Striking Out.

VI. A ball, after it has run all the bridges, may hit the starting post either by a blow from its owner’s mallet, by roquet, roquet-croquet, croquet or concussion, and is then a _dead ball_, and must be _immediately_ removed from the field.

1. A player who having run all the bridges strikes the starting post, is out of the game, his turn is omitted, and the play goes on as before. If, instead of striking the post, he continues to play, he is called a _rover_.

2. When all the balls on one side have made the grand round and hit the starting post, that side has won the game.

[Some authors on Croquet require the ball to be placed on the _spot_ or starting point before continuing play as a rover. But this rule seems to be entirely arbitrary—useless—and to have been adopted for no sufficient reason.]

The Rover.

VII. If the roquet-croquet is allowed to all players alike, the rover is governed entirely by the same laws as other players.

1. Therefore, a rover having completed the grand round, and having no other steps to make (except _stepping out_, when of course his play ceases,) can only acquire the right to continuance of play by the roquet. He may (after roquet upon it) croquet or roquet-croquet each ball once only during a tour. Roquet upon a ball the second time during a tour does not entitle him to a continuance of play.

Roquet.

VIII. A ball roquets another when it comes in contact with it by a direct blow of the mallet, or rebounds upon it after the blow, from any fixed obstacle of the ground or from another ball.

1. A ball having roqueted another ball, except a booby, is at liberty to croquet or roquet-croquet it or proceed on its round; providing that the playing ball has not already in that tour roqueted that same ball since making a step on the round.

2. A ball may roquet another ball twice between two consecutive steps, but the second roquet does not entitle the player to a continuance of play.

3. Any player in his turn is at liberty at any time to make roquet on _any_ ball on the ground.

4. Roquet does not entitle a booby to a continuance of play.

5. Roquet on a booby does not entitle the playing ball to a continuance of play.

6. A ball having made roquet and declined the croquet, may continue its play either from the position to which it has rolled after the roquet, or from the side of the roqueted ball.

7. If a ball roquet another and thereby gain the privilege of croquet, and afterwards, at the same blow, run a bridge; it may croquet the roqueted ball, then proceed to roquet it again, then croquet again and proceed on its round; or waiving either or both croquets, or the last roquet and croquet, may proceed on its round.

[Thus supposing the playing ball roquets a ball that it has not roqueted since making a step, and _afterwards_ at the same blow runs a bridge; it of course has a right to croquet the roqueted ball; then as that roquet was made _before_ the playing ball run its bridge there is no reason why it cannot again roquet and croquet the same ball. But had the playing ball _first_ run a bridge and afterwards at the same blow roqueted a ball then it can have but one croquet according to Rule IX.]

8. The continuance of play is gained by virtue of the roquet, and not of the croquet. The croquet is merely a privilege consequent upon the roquet. Therefore to waive a croquet does not terminate the play. This principle once fixed in the mind will avoid much confusion in understanding and interpreting the rules.

[One author on Croquet, assumes to propound a set of rules on double points which are entirely new and at variance with all previously established principles of the game, inasmuch as they allow a player to waive any point made or privilege gained. It is an established fact in Croquet that a player may waive any _privilege_ that he has acquired—but it is also as well established that a _step_ once made can not be taken back. The beauty of Croquet is in a great degree due to its simplicity, and the granting of the above right to players adds one-half to the difficulties of the game, without adding in the least to its interest. A game of Croquet in which all the players except the rover are denied the privilege of roquet-croquet, and in which the right to waive a step is introduced, becomes at once twice as intricate, requires double the rules to explain it, and loses one-half its interest.]

The Croquet and Roquet-Croquet.

IX. A player may croquet or roquet-croquet any number of balls consecutively; but he can croquet or roquet-croquet only those balls on which he has made roquet, and roquet on the same ball the second time in one tour without an intervening step does not entitle the player to a croquet.

1. If a player in the act of croqueting does not _separate_ the balls, he is at liberty to take the stroke over again.

[Instead of the above the following rule is often given. A croquet is completed when the mallet makes a perceptible (that is an audible) blow against the croqueting ball, whether that to be croqueted move from its place or not. This rule gives rise to frequent disputes whether the blow was perceptible or not, and is not as generally acceptable as the one we have given.]

2. If a player in executing the roquet-croquet does not move the croqueted ball from its position, his tour of play ceases, unless by the same stroke he makes a point.

[If it is in dispute whether or not the ball has been moved as above required, the question shall be decided by the umpire if there be one, if not, by the chief of the side opposing the player. Some authors allow the roquet-croquet to the rover only—but as it is one of the most scientific operations of the game, the majority of players are not willing to give it exclusively to the rover, especially when it is considered that a person who is able to become an early rover, will naturally have advantage enough without any extra favors. Further, the argument that the universal use of the roquet-croquet tends to perceptibly prolong the game has been proved by actual test to be without foundation.]

3. If a ball is croqueted either through its own bridge or upon the turning or starting post when in order, a point so made holds good.

4. In making ricochet the player is at liberty to croquet either a part or all of the balls roqueted; but the order of croquet must be that of the ricochet,—the player, however, has only one additional stroke, and not one for each ball he has roqueted.

5. If a ball when croqueted or driven through its own bridge from the rear roll back through the bridge, it has not run that bridge.

[This rule is based upon the principle that all questions as to position can only be satisfactorily determined when the ball is not in motion. In the case put it would frequently be impossible to decide whether the ball when it began to roll back was in position or not.]

X. The laws that govern Croquet all apply to Roquet-Croquet, except as to points for which special rules are herein given.

The Flinch.

XI. If a ball flinch in the execution of the croquet, it is considered as merely an accidental roquet-croquet, and subject to the same laws. In this case of course any point made or advantage gained by either ball holds good.

[By adopting this rule all unpleasant difference of opinion as to the proper positions of the balls is avoided, and as the origin of the roquet-croquet was this very practice of placing the foot lightly upon the playing ball and then allowing both balls to be moved together—there seems to be no objection to the rule.]

1. The above rule only applies in a game where the roquet-croquet is allowed to all players.

2. In case the roquet-croquet is only allowed to the rover, the following rule applies: If the player’s ball flinch in executing the croquet, he forfeits the remainder of his tour, and no point made by a flinching ball is valid, and the balls are considered as accidentally displaced and are replaced in accordance with the rule applying to accidentally displaced balls.

XII. A ball accidentally displaced must be returned, by the chief of the side opposed to the person displacing it, to the place where it was lying before the play proceeds.

XIII. If a ball be hit off the ground it is to be placed _at once_, and before the play proceeds, twelve inches within the limit of the boundary and at a point nearest to where it stopped, which of course causes the ball to be brought in _square_ with the boundary.

XIV. If a ball in its progress over the ground, be interrupted by the person or mallet of an enemy the ball may be placed by the chief of the side owning the ball, in such position as he may judge it would have rested had it not been interrupted in its progress. If interrupted by the person or mallet of a friend the ball may be placed by the chief of the _opposing side_ in such position as he may judge it would have rested.

_A person not taking part in the game, should never be within the bounds of a croquet ground when a game is in progress_—but should such person accidentally be in such a position and either displace a ball, or interrupt it in its progress—such person shall be considered as an enemy to the owner of the ball—and the ball be replaced according to rules XII. and XIV.

SUGGESTIONS TO BEGINNERS.

KEEP YOUR TEMPER—_and remember when your turn comes_.

Make good use of the privilege of croquet and roquet-croquet, and not consider it the sole object of the game to run the bridges,—and yet it is not well to too much neglect the bridges, as they must all be run before you can become a rover.