Roquet

Roquet is a term used in the sport of croquet to describe a shot in which the striker’s ball makes contact with an opponent’s ball. It is a legal and common technique that initiates a sequence of play and provides the striker with an opportunity to influence subsequent shots.

When a roquet is executed, the striker typically earns the right to one or more continuation shots to advance their own ball and to maneuver for further actions, such as hitting the roqueted ball again or advancing toward the game’s hoops and peg. The exact number of extra shots, as well as how the balls may be repositioned after a roquet, varies according to the governing rules in use. Different rule sets, including those of the World Croquet Federation and national associations, may implement distinct procedures and penalties for roquet scenarios.

The term roquet has long been part of croquet terminology and is widely understood among players of traditional and contemporary variants. Its etymology is generally traced to a French influence, though precise origins are not firmly established.

In practice, players often refer to having roqueted an opponent’s ball and proceed with the ensuing continuation stroke to plan the next move. The roquet concept remains a fundamental aspect of strategic play across most croquet formats.