Croquet
The origin of croquet can be traced back to the game of pall-mall which was played in the French countryside in the Middle Ages. It was Louis XIV who had it transferred to the table in his palace so that it could be played even in winter and the game would then have become billiards. The English copied the game around 1300 and, after many developments, it became golf in Scotland and croquet in Ireland. Popularised during the second half of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century, contemporary croquet is mainly practised by Anglo-Saxons: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, India, etc. For many of us, this croquet game seems to be just a pleasant pastime and an ideal wooden game idea to offer as a birthday present for dad or as a fun gift for young people. Croquet also brings enthusiasts together in a Belgian federation that was founded in 1994 and which organises tournaments. Croquet can be played alone or in teams, most often on grass, but sometimes on the beach (sand) and even on ice. Teams range from two to eight players. The aim is to make the wooden ball go through the field as quickly as possible by advancing it with a mallet. The ball must follow a precise course, delimited by hoops, under which the ball must pass. The courses differ according to the number of hoops to be crossed, the direction of the course, etc. A fun outdoor game to play with family or friends.
