Two different games
The nine-wicket backyard version uses a double-diamond layout with a stake at each end, and balls run out and back through the course. It is the version most household sets are built for.
Six-wicket croquet is the organized form, played on a rectangular court with six wickets and a centre stake. American rules and association rules are two distinct rule sets within that form, and the USCA publishes the American version.
| Element | Nine-wicket backyard | Six-wicket court game |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Double diamond, two stakes | Rectangular court, six wickets and centre stake |
| Area needed | Scales to the yard | Large, full-size courts are substantial |
| Wicket clearance | Generous on household sets | Tight, close to ball width |
| Rules source | House conventions vary | USCA publishes American rules |
| Typical game length | 45 minutes and up | Often over an hour |
| Extra strokes for a roquet | Two | Two |
Order of play and scoring
Balls are played in a fixed sequence, conventionally blue, red, black, yellow, matching the colours on the stake. Each ball scores a point for each wicket it runs in the correct order and direction, plus a point for hitting the stake at the end of its course.
In the six-wicket game each ball has 12 wickets and the stake to score, so a side of two balls plays for 26 points. Backyard nine-wicket scoring differs because of the extra wickets and second stake, so agree on the count before starting. A shortened course leaves time for other lawn games for adults.
Roquet and the croquet stroke
Hitting another ball with your own is a roquet, and it earns two extra strokes. The first is the croquet stroke, played with your ball placed in contact with the roqueted ball, which lets you move both. The second is a free continuation stroke.
That mechanic is what turns croquet from a sequence of individual shots into a game of position. Strong players use roquets to build a break and run several wickets in one turn rather than advancing a single wicket per turn.
Setting up a backyard course
A mown, reasonably flat area is the main requirement, and the layout can be scaled down to fit the space. Full six-wicket courts are large, so backyard setups typically shrink the spacing while keeping the shape.
Wicket width relative to ball size is what sets the difficulty. Household sets use generous wickets, while regulation wickets in American rules leave very little clearance around the ball, which is why the court game is much harder than the backyard version.
Gear to consider
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
SetsCheck price on AmazonGoSports Deluxe Six-Player Croquet Set
Deluxe; 35-inch handles, six balls, nine wickets and case
Longer mallet handles and a six-player kit for a casual lawn game.
This is a recreational nine-wicket set; check the format before using it for club play.
A few common questions
How many strokes do you get for hitting another ball?
Two. The croquet stroke, played with your ball touching the roqueted ball, then a continuation stroke.
Is backyard croquet the same as tournament croquet?
No. Backyard sets use a nine-wicket layout with wide wickets, while organized play uses a six-wicket court with tight wickets and a formal rule set published by the USCA.