Looking for croquet hire Scotland-wide? In fact, this proper English lawn classic brings precision, tactics, and the occasional ruthless streak as you knock your opponent’s ball out of position. Blue and Black play against Red and Yellow, racing round the same circuit of hoops.
Croquet Hire Scotland: A Beginner’s Guide to the Rules
| 2-4 Players | 12 Hoops | 35x28yd Full court size | 30-60 min Average game |
Court: a flat grassed area 35 by 28 yards, laid out with 12 hoops and a central peg. However, smaller courts can be used for a casual garden game.
Object of the Game
Get both of your side’s balls through all 12 hoops in the correct order and direction, then hit the peg to finish (“peg out”). In short, the first side to peg out both balls wins. For the full official rulebook, see Croquet England’s Laws of Association Croquet.
How to Play
- Players alternate turns. On your turn you strike one of your own side’s balls (the “striker’s ball”).
- A turn is normally a single stroke — unless that stroke scores a hoop, or hits another ball (a “roquet”), either of which earns you a continuation stroke.
- Running a hoop means passing your ball fully through it from the correct side.
- Hitting another ball (a roquet) earns you two extra strokes: a croquet stroke (played from touching the roqueted ball) followed by a continuation stroke.
Tip: In other words, a skilled turn chains hoops and roquets together — run a hoop, roquet a ball, run the next hoop, roquet again — building what’s called a “break.”
Scoring
Each side’s score is the total of hoop points and peg points earned. Once a ball has been through all 12 hoops (becoming a “rover”) it can score a peg point by striking the peg. As a result, it’s then removed from the game.
Starting a Game
Toss a coin. The winner chooses either which side plays first, or which pair of balls (Blue & Black or Red & Yellow) to play — the loser gets the other choice. After that, players place balls onto the court one at a time over the first four turns, from either baulk-line.
A Few Strategy Tips for Beginners
- Build breaks when you can. Chaining hoops and roquets in one turn is how strong players pull ahead fast.
- Use the croquet stroke tactically. You control where the roqueted ball ends up — send it somewhere unhelpful for your opponent.
- Watch your positioning after a miss. A poorly placed ball gives your opponent an easy roquet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Croquet
How many hoops are there in croquet?
12 hoops, arranged in a set circuit that both sides play round in the same order and direction.
What is a roquet?
When the striker’s ball hits another ball. It earns the striker a croquet stroke (played from contact with the roqueted ball) followed by a continuation stroke.
How do you win at croquet?
The first side to get both of their balls through all 12 hoops and then hit the peg (“peg out”) wins.
What size is a croquet court?
A full court is 35 by 28 yards, though smaller courts work fine for casual garden play.
How many players does croquet need?
Four — two per side, played as Blue & Black against Red & Yellow.
Other Garden Games
Additionally, please have a look at our other giant games. When multiple games are ordered as a package, a discounted rate may apply.
Croquet Hire Scotland FAQs
Is Croquet suitable for indoor and outdoor use?
Croquet needs a flat grassed area, and you play it outdoors — for outdoor Scottish events, we recommend keeping a covered backup area nearby in case of weather.
What events is Croquet hire popular for?
Croquet is a great choice for wedding drinks receptions, garden parties, corporate events, and family celebrations. Guests need no experience, so they get involved straight away.
What areas of Scotland do you cover for Croquet hire?
We deliver across Central Scotland — Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Fife, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, Stirling and the Scottish Borders. Get in touch to confirm availability for your date and venue.
Can Croquet be combined with DJ or other entertainment?
Yes — games and DJ services are frequently booked together. See our full giant games range or get in touch for a combined quote.