Croquet: A Handbook on the Strokes and Tactics of the Game - 1949

"CROQUET might aptly be described as a combative race-game. A race-game because the object of play is to "race" to the Peg, get there first, and peg-out; combative, because it is not merely a case of doing something better than the opponent, as in Golf, but of actively and persistently fighting him. Historically, Croquet is quite probably, in fact, what some players have desired to call it, namely, "Lawn-Billiards." Since on good authority Billiards was once an outdoor game, and the earliest tables retained Croquet characteristics in the shape of a Peg—called "The King"—and a hoop on the centre line of the table. Be this as it may, Croquet has Billiards characteristics in that it depends on the making of breaks, and on angles. It has also a slight Chess element in the fact that a player has often to weigh up the possibilities as to the effect of a proposed course of action on the progress of the game. The argument often goes like this: "If I do so and so, and succeed, what shall I gain? But, if I fail, how much shall I give away to my opponent?" But, of course, the special characteristic of Croquet that distinguishes it from all other games is the "Croquet-stroke" itself..." - Croquet: A Handbook on the eStrokes and Tactics of the Game. Also a Short Description of Golf & Polo or Robber Croquet - The Rev. G.F. Handel Elvey, M.A. Published 1949, John Jaques & Son, Ltd., Surrey Softcover. Approx. 5x7in. 80pp. In fair condition; covers are pretty worn/aged.