Roqueting

Roqueting is a term used in the sport of croquet to describe the act of striking an opponent’s ball with the striker’s own ball, causing the two balls to come into contact. The ball that is struck by contact is said to be roqueted, and the move is a standard element of play in many casual and competitive games. Roqueting is the direct result of a successful roquet shot.

A roquet is legal when the striker’s ball cleanly contacts an opponent’s ball within the bounds of the playing area. After a successful roquet, the striker typically earns an additional shot or a free hit that allows them to reposition their ball for further play; the exact consequences and sequence of shots vary by rule set. Roqueting is often integrated into longer tactical sequences, enabling a player to set up subsequent runs toward the stakes or wickets.

Strategically, roquet shots are used to disrupt an opponent’s positioning, create advantageous angles for future shots, and open pathways for scoring. They carry risks as mistimed or poorly aimed roquets can leave the roqueting player with a weak position or give the opponent a favorable response on their next turn.

Rule sets differ in the precise treatment of roqueting. In many association croquet rules, a successful roquet is followed by a continuation or free shot, with additional options potentially available depending on the context. Golf croquet and other variants may handle roquet differently, reflecting their simplified or altered turn structures. The term roqueting thus exists within a family of related croquet techniques.

The term roqueting derives from croquet terminology; its exact origin is uncertain, but it has been in use since the 19th century to describe this common contact-shot practice.