Introduction

Advantage Play is a handicap variant of Golf Croquet (Rule 21) that allows players of different abilities to play a more competitive game with each having an equal chance of winning. It is an alternative to the long-standing Extra Strokes (Rule 20) handicap game.

In Advantage Play, from a 0:0 start, target scores are adjusted depending on players' handicaps, so that the stronger player may have to score more than 7 hoops to win a Standard game and the weaker player fewer than 7 hoops. In a closely contested game, it may be necessary to play more than 12 hoops by repeating hoops 3, 4, 1, 2, 11, and 12 in order, until the game ends; a specific golden hoop is not defined.

Tables of target scores are published for Short and Long game variants as well as the more common Standard game, which equates to a Level-Play 13-point game. While the tables cover the full handicap range from -6 to 20, smaller, more convenient tables covering the -6 to 14 range are also available. Doubles may be played by using the average handicap of each team (rounded if necessary).

Version for Use From 2026

Advantage 2026 remains tactically unchanged and poses the same challenge for all players as before. It is the only version of the game authorised for use by the WCF and Croquet England. For convenience, the necessary Target Score Tables (2026 v1) have been converted from (and replace) the 2024/25 Tables of Starting Scores (see links below).

Tournament play is fully provided for, with instructions for resolving timed (or unfinished) games and for ordering tournament blocks. 2026 Tournament Regulations (L7) and (F2g) respectively provide details, and the methods are described in 'How to Play' (below). It should be noted that the concept of net hoops is not valid for Advantage games and the Scoring Fraction Percentage (SF%) Table should be used instead to derive net SF%s.

Useful Links

Complete Advantage documentation is available for download from the following links:

• How to Play Advantage Golf Croquet - 2026
• Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers)
• Standard Game Tables:

Target Scores Table (handicap -6 to 14); Scoring Fraction Percentage (SF%) Table

• Long Game Tables:

Target Scores Table (handicap -6 to 14); Scoring Fraction Percentage (SF%) Table

• Short Game Tables:

Target Scores Table (handicap -6 to 14); Scoring Fraction Percentage (SF%) Table

• All games, complete handicap range of Target Scores Tables:

Target Scores Table (handicap -6 to 20) (Standard Game)
Target Scores Table (handicap -6 to 20) (Long Game)
Target Scores Table (handicap -6 to 20) (Short Game)

A comprehensive PowerPoint briefing is available to assist players, referees and tournament officials in better understanding Advantage GC. This supplements How to Play, presenting much of its material in a slide format. This briefing is also available, in modular form, as part of the WCF's Online GC Rules Study Pack.

Players may also find the online Handicap Calculator helpful for use in the absence of Target Score Tables. Please note that this tool is not maintained by Croquet England. In the event of any discrepancies between the calculator and the Target Score Tables and Scoring Fraction Percentages Table, the tables published here take precedence.

Advantage feedback is always welcome - please use the dedicated email address set up for this purpose advantagegc#worldcroquet.org.