Objective of the Game
Pall Mall (also known as Paille-Maille) is a historical outdoor game that is a predecessor to modern games like croquet. The objective of the game is to strike a ball with a mallet through an elevated hoop on a grass lawn, with the player requiring the fewest strokes to win.
Setup
- Playing Field: The playing field is a long, flat, grassy area with a small hoop (often depicted nowadays as an iron-banded ring structure) that is vertically positioned.
- Equipment: Each player needs a mallet (similar to a croquet mallet) and a small ball. The hoop is typically made of wood or iron.
Rules of the Game
- Start: Players begin from a set starting point at one end of the playing area.
- Hitting the Ball: Using the mallet, a player strikes the ball towards the hoop. Players can take turns hitting or, if playing with multiple hits, execute their prepared strokes.
- Goal: The players aim to strike their ball through the hoop. The ball must pass through the hoop completely to be counted.
- Winning Condition: Once a player has struck the ball through the hoop, the number of strokes is counted. The player with the fewest strokes wins the round.
Strategy and Tips
- Accuracy over Power: As precision is key, it is crucial to control the strokes to maintain accurate directions.
- Stake Bets: Players can also wager on how many strokes they think they’ll take to hit the hoop, adding a competitive tension.
Specialty: Pall Mall is considered a blend of skill and strategy with a focus on precision.
