Return

 SPRATT'S NEW GAME OF CROQUET.
  ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL

     The arches to be placed in the ground about seven and eight feet apart.
     Each player places his ball down within two feet of pole A, and striking it with his mallet, endeavours to send it through arches 1 and 2, then to strike his ball as near as possible to C, next through arches 3, 4, and 5, then to strike it as near as possible to D, next through arches 6 and 7, then on to touch pole B; return through arches 7 and 6, then through arches 8, 9, and 10, lastly through arches 2 and 1, afterwards whoever touches pole A with his ball wins the game.
     Players strike their balls alternately; but when a player sends his ball through an arch he is entitled to another stroke, and also when he "roquets" his adversary he gets another stroke. "Roquet" is produced when a player strikes his opponent's ball with his own; he should then put his own ball quite close to his opponent's, and placing his foot firmly on his own ball, OO strike his opponents ball, and send it as far as possible in an unfavourable direction; his opponent has to play from that point, and his own ball remains steady, then he also gets another stroke.
     Each player must go through each arch, the proper course, and if he pass an arch he must wait for his next turn.
     The game is described as for two players; if more play (any even number) say six, three take one side and three the other; any of either side winning wins the game, and they play alternately.

Return