Introduction

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

In Advantage Play, starting scores are adjusted depending on players' handicaps so that the stronger player may have to score more than 7 hoops to win a First-to-7 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, 12 in order, until the game ends; a specific 'golden hoop' is not defined.

Tables of starting scores are published for First-to-4 and First-to-10 variants as well as the more common First-to-7 points game, and include the full handicap range from -6 to 20. Doubles may be played by using the average handicap of each team (rounded if necessary).

2024/25 Version

This is the current and only version of the game authorised for use by WCF and Croquet England and replaces the 2022 version originally published.

Results from two years' SCF league matches were used to fine-tune the computer algorithm for this version and some starting scores for games between players with large handicap differences will have changed. In addition, specific starting scores have been provided for all handicap combinations, with an alert that some of these scores may involve either excessively long or very short games.

Tournament play is fully provided for with instructions for resolving timed (or unfinished) games and for ordering tournament blocks. 2025 Tournament Regulations (L7) and (F2g) respectively provide details, and the methods are described in 'How to Play'. It should be noted that the concept of 'net hoops' is not valid for Advantage games.

Complete 'How to Play' documentation for all variants and the most widely used table of First-to-7 starting scores can be downloaded here.

To assist players, referees and tournament officials understand Advantage GC better a comprehensive briefing is available here. 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.

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

Useful Links

Players may find the online Handicap Calculator helpful which could be used in the absence of starting score tables. Please note that this tool is not maintained by Croquet England. In the event of any discrepancies between the calculator and the calculation method outlined in the latest GC Rules, AC Laws, and Tournament Regulations, the method prescribed by Croquet England takes precedence.