Strategy Checklists

Strategy Checklist

The original was given to me by my Dad (also Scott Kennedy)

Below as PDF for printing.

The Original or a Shorter Summary Version

Good checklist from long ago is still good - the Original


Before beginning your turn and before each shot...

  1. Locate All four balls.

  2. Recheck your own deadness.

  3. Make sure that partner has a play for his next turn.

  4. Make sure that you don’t leave something good for opponent’s next turn.

  5. What is your opponent’s next turn going to look like?

  6. Where is the danger ball?

  7. As soon as opponent strikes your ball, see what is needed for you to be wired. /

  8. Remember that you can sometimes create a wire for partner ball / Never leave a wire for opponent!!!

  9. If you don’t have a plan, get off the court !!!


Can I:


  • Run a break?

  • Set a break for my partner?

  • Score a wicket?

  • Help my partner?

  • Harm my opponent?


  • Roquet partner out of bounds next to spent ball.

  • Croquet partner out of bounds next to spent ball, while going to partner’s wicket? (set partner the 3b break)


Go dead on partner only if you can get clean in the same turn or be peeled (cleaned) by partner in his next turn or set him a good break.


If you don’t have a plan, get off the court (in a corner?).


Original by Scott Kennedy of Cajun Croquet.

The shorter version

Croquet Strategy - Remember 1 Back!


  1. Locate All ball locations

  2. Know your Deadness

  3. Is the opponent responsible for your position? Look for Wire. Can you Wire yourself?

  4. Where is the Danger ball?

  5. Can you make a wicket?

  6. Make sure that partner has a play for next turn.

  7. Make sure not ripe for opponent's next turn, i.e. too close together. If together, then split. If split, then together.

  8. Is my opponent responsible for your position? Look for Wire. Can you Wire yourself?

  9. Do not leave a Wire for your opponent.

  10. Where is the Danger ball?

  11. What is your opponent's next turn going to look like?

  12. Get off the court