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know the game
Croquet, in one breath
Croquet is the backyard game that looks gentle and turns cutthroat the moment someone sends your ball into the hedge. There are really only two versions you need to know: 9-wicket croquet (the classic six-mallet backyard set) and golf croquet (faster, simpler, easier to teach).
The shortlist
Our top croquet picks at a glance
MVP Pick 92 Best Overall
Pros - Full 6-player kit so nobody waits their turn
- Adult-friendly mallet length with a sturdy carry stand
- Smooth-rolling balls that track straight on real grass
Watch for - Six players' worth of mallets and balls makes for a bulky load to store
- Not heirloom hardwood, so it won't have the look of a deluxe garden-party set
Who it's for This is the set I draft for households that actually host a crowd, and a couple who only plays two-on-two is paying for gear that stays in the bag.
84 Best Budget
Pros - Wallet-friendly way to get a whole crew playing
- Lightweight enough for kids and casual players
- Comes with a carry bag so storage is easy
Watch for - Lighter build with thinner wickets that bend if someone steps on one
- Shorter mallets that taller adults will have to hunch over to swing
Who it's for Grab this to get a whole crew playing on the cheap, and serious adult players will want longer handles and sturdier wickets.
86 Best for Families
Pros - Bright color-coded balls keep kids organized
- Easy to assemble with no tools needed
- Forgiving weight that younger players can swing
Watch for - Forgiving light weight means it feels less solid in an adult's hands
- Casual-grade wickets and stakes won't stand up to hard competitive strikes
Who it's for This is built for kids and easygoing family afternoons, and a league that swings hard will outgrow it fast.
90 Premium Hardwood Pick
Pros - Solid hardwood mallets that feel great on the swing
- Trusted brand build that survives season after season
- Looks the part for backyard weddings and garden parties
Watch for - Costs more than the budget kits for the better hardwood mallets
- Sold as a starter, so it covers fewer players than the six-player sets
Who it's for This is for the player who wants a real hardwood swing that looks sharp at a garden party, and big-group hosts should size up to a six-player kit.
89 Best for Weddings
Pros - Classic deluxe look with a handsome wheeled cart
- Tournament-feel mallets and balls for serious play
- Easy to roll out and set up for big gatherings
Watch for - The handsome wheeled cart and deluxe build push the price up
- More setup and storage than a quick backyard game calls for
Who it's for This is the one to roll out for weddings and big gatherings where the look matters, and a casual weekend player doesn't need the cart or the cost.
From the commissioner
How to choose a croquet set
- Mallet length matters for adults. Most cheap sets ship with 24-inch mallets built for kids, which means a sore back for grown players. Look for 28 to 35-inch handles if adults will be swinging.
- Count your players. A 4-player set is fine for a small household, but if you ever want couples night or a real round-robin, spring for a 6-player set so nobody sits out.
- Wood quality decides the lifespan. Pine and rubberwood are budget-friendly and fine for casual play, while hardwoods like ash or beech hold up to harder strikes and years of outdoor storage.
- Check the wickets and stakes. Thin wire wickets bend the first time someone steps on one. Heavier-gauge steel wickets and solid stakes keep the court honest.
- A carry bag or cart is a real upgrade. Croquet gear is awkward to haul, so a wheeled stand or zippered case saves you from juggling nine pieces across the yard.
next up Build the whole roster
Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Grab the bundle and save a trip, or see how croquet stacks up against the rest.
Buyer's desk
Croquet buying FAQ
What size croquet set should I buy?
Go by your guest list. A 4-player set covers a small family, but a 6-player set is the sweet spot if you ever host friends or want a full round-robin. You can play a 6-player set with fewer people, but you cannot stretch a 4-player set to fit a crowd.
Are wooden mallets better than plastic?
For anything beyond little-kid play, yes. Wooden hardwood mallets give a satisfying solid strike and last for years outdoors, while plastic heads can crack and feel mushy. Plastic is fine for toddlers, but adults will want real wood.
How long should croquet mallets be for adults?
Look for handles in the 28 to 35-inch range. Many budget sets ship with short 24-inch mallets meant for children, which force taller players to hunch over and strain their back during a long game.
Can croquet sets stay outside?
Better to bring them in. Even weather-resistant hardwood and painted balls will fade and warp if left in sun and rain all season. A carry bag or cart makes it easy to stash everything in the garage between matches.
Is croquet hard to learn?
Not at all, which is why it is a league favorite. The basics take about five minutes to explain, and the strategy of sending an opponent's ball flying keeps adults coming back. It is genuinely a game for ages six to ninety.
