Association Croquet (AC)

Association Croquet is often considered the most traditional and strategic form of croquet. It is sometimes referred to as "the chess of the lawn" due to its depth of tactics and strategy.

Objective: Players use their mallets to hit their balls through a sequence of hoops and eventually strike the peg, completing a circuit.

Play Style:

• • Players can take multiple shots in a turn by hitting their ball through hoops or striking other balls (known as "roqueting").
  • The game involves intricate planning to maintain control and build breaks (sequences of successful shots).

Golf Croquet (GC)

Golf Croquet is a faster-paced and more accessible version of croquet, making it popular for social and competitive play.

Objective: Players aim to be the first to hit their ball through the next hoop in sequence. Each hoop is contested one at a time.

Play Style:

• • Turns consist of just one shot.
  • There’s less focus on elaborate breaks, and gameplay centers on hoop-running and defensive positioning.

Ricochet (RC)

Ricochet is a simplified version of Association Croquet, designed as a stepping stone for newer players to learn the game.

Objective: Similar to Association Croquet, the goal is to progress through hoops and peg out, but with easier rules and fewer complex tactics.

Play Style:

• • Players can earn extra shots for successful roquets (hitting another ball) or running hoops.
  • Emphasis is on building breaks but without the same tactical depth as Association Croquet.

Gateball (GB)

Gateball is a fast-paced, team-based version of croquet originating from Japan. It is widely played in Asia and has a growing international presence.

Objective: Teams score points by hitting their balls through gates (hoops) in a specific order and striking the final peg within a time limit.

Play Style:

• • Played with five players per team.
  • Each game lasts 30 minutes, with players taking turns in a structured order.
  • Strategy revolves around teamwork, ball positioning, and disrupting the opponent's progress.

Comparison Highlights

Each discipline offers unique challenges and appeals to players with different interests and skill levels.