Advantage play is included at Rule 21 in the 6th Edition WCF Rules of Golf Croquet.

As is usual, the game ends when one side reaches a score of 7. Hoops are played in the same order as usual for a 13-point game; after hoop 12 the cycle of hoops 3, 4, 1, 2, 11, 12 can be repeated as often as required.

If the score reaches 6:6, play continues with the deciding hoop being the next hoop in order.

TABLE OF STARTING SCORES
The *2023 Revised DGRADE Scale version of the table of starting scores will be referenced using player’s handicap to determine the starting scores for a game. The starting score is found at the intersection of the corresponding column (stronger player) and row (weaker player) and is listed as Stronger:Weaker.

KEEPING SCORE
At any given time, a player’s score is the number of their clips on hoops, combined with their starting score clips.

Players MUST adhere to Rule 7.8 in full by BOTH announcing the score after each hoop has been run and using scoring clips as outlined below.
The recommended convention, when announcing the score after each hoop, is to state the stronger player’s score first, followed by the weaker player’s score.

When counting up from a negative score to a positive one, the score of zero is included (as on a thermometer scale, minus two, minus one, zero, plus one etc).

To aid visibility and avoid confusion, primary-coloured clips should be placed on the crown of the hoop and secondary-coloured clips on the hoop upright(s).

HOW MANY CLIPS AND HOOPS?
Players will carry ONE less clip than the number of hoops needed to win. When you have no clips left, announce “last peg/clip” and endeavour to run one more hoop to win.

Be warned! Counting clips on your jacket or in your pocket can lead to errors as they fall off, get lost, or you may have taken the wrong number initially! This is why it is so important to verbally agree the score after each hoop.

Starting score|Total clips needed|Number of clips on the Advantage Post|Number of clips on Centre Peg|Clips carried for hoops run|Total of hoops to win
2 | 6 | 2 | --- | 4 | 5
1 | 6 | 1 | --- | 5 | 6
0 | 6 | --- | --- | 6 | 7
-1 | 8 | --- | 1 | 7 | 8
-2 | 10 | --- | 2 | 8 | 9
-3 | 12 | --- | 3 | 9 | 10
-4 | 14 | --- | 4 | 10 | 11

ORDERING OF PLACINGS
In the first instance, placings will be ordered by most games won. In the event of a tie for games won, the ratio of hoops run to the total number of hoops needed to win at the start for each game played will be compared, with the higher ratio taking the higher placing. If a tie still exists, then who beat who will determine the higher placing.

TIME LIMITS AND UNFINISHED GAMES
There are no time limits. However, the Tournament Manager reserves the right to peg down any match considered to be impeding the progress of the event. Should a match need to be carried over to the next day due to inclement weather/poor light/any reason, pegged down matches will be completed at the next most convenient time in the schedule, which more than likely will be at the end of a day’s play.

In the event of an unfinished game, a comparison of the ratios of actual hoops run to the total number of hoops needed to win at the start of the game (as shown by the starting score scales in the "How to Play Advantage Golf Croquet - 2024" https://worldcroquet.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Advantage-GC-2024-How-to-Play-Complete.pdf) will be made, and the player with the higher hoop ratio will be declared the winner. While you need to be aware there are instances when a “draw” may occur, this will be actively avoided at all costs for the CNZ Don Reyland Stars Final.