The winner of the toss can elect to play first or second or can choose colors. The opponent makes the remaining choice.

The starting point is anywhere along the two baulk lines. One baulk line starts in the blue corner and extends to mid-court behind wicket 5. The other, in the black corner and extends to behind wicket 6. (36" from the boundaries)

Balls are "in the game" immediately upon being played, prior to scoring wicket one. A "pass" is a play.

There is no rotation among colors, only sides. For example, after all balls have been played, the red-yellow side may choose to play either red or yellow for that turn.

At the start of each turn, there is no deadness.

Balls are marked in 36", to the midpoint of the ball.

A ball is out of bounds at the point any part of the ball overhangs the string.

The ONLY time it is a fault when a ball goes out of bounds is on the croquet stroke and then only if the striker’s or croqueted ball goes out of bounds. Exception: if the striker’s ball roquets another ball before going out of bounds, it is not a fault even if the croqueted ball went out of bounds.

It is not a fault if one hits a dead ball during a turn. Balls are not replaced, but no roquet is scored (and there are no continuation shots) unless the striker ball then hits a ball on which it is alive..

There is no incidental hit. If a ball scores a wicket and in the same shot hits a ball, it is a roquet.

If a ball scores a wicket and at the same time goes out of bounds, the ball is brought in 36 inches and the continuation shot is taken.

A bisque is a new turn. All deadness is erased. It can be claimed at any point in a player’s turn so long as no continuation shot has been earned, even if a fault has occurred.

When an opponent scores either 1-back or 4-back, a player can choose to lift one of his balls and play from either baulk line. If the opponent scores both 1-back and 4-back in the same turn and his partner ball had not already scored 1-back, a player may choose to lift to a baulk line or take croquet from any other ball.

When wired, a ball is lifted to a baulk line. If a ball is wired and its partner is not, it is still a wire if the player chooses to play that ball.

The rover wicket is run away from the peg.

When last turn is called, the striker finishes his turn and the opponent’s SIDE has one turn unless the opponent is ahead. If tied at that point, the game is over when either player scores.