Illustrations by Jason Raish

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the grass is finally green again and we are out of the lawn soaking up every moment of it! With the return of a green lawn and warmth we break out some of our favorite lawn games to play with our friends and family, such as croquet.

Croquet is a sport played around the world and was even included in the 1900 Summer Olympics, although it was around long before. It is rumored that the game, ‘paille-maille’, the Latin words for ‘ball and mallet’, originated in France during the 1600’s and brought to Britain where it was given its current name and modern rules. The game was beloved by France’s Henry II and Louis XIV, by nature making it a game played by the royals and their courts. By the 1860’s croquet was wildly popular in England, where official rules were drafted and then spread to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the United States. 

Current day, croquet is a fun game to enjoy with your friends and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors! It is easily set up and played for all ages and all levels, making it the perfect addition to your next barbecue, gathering, or party.

How to Play Croquet (2-6 Players)

To play croquet you will need to purchase a croquet game set. We have linked a few sets below! Sets have 6 mallets, 6 balls, 9 wickets, and 2 stakes. Each player will be assigned a specific color mallet that will match the color of their ball as to easily keep track of who’s ball is whose. The player that goes first is designated by the color order on the stakes from top to bottom. 

The objective? To be the first player to score 14 wickets and 2 stakes in the correct order. Players will rotate turns after each swing. To score a wicket, the player has to successfully swing and hit the ball through the wicket, and in the correct order to be able to advance to the next wicket in the game.

*Player’s can gain bonus swings if they have scored a wicket or hit another players ball.  

Shop your own Croquet set below