From the basic rules to the dress code – those who know the basics enjoy polo from the very first moment
The Ascona Polo Cup is played as arena or sand polo: three against three on a sand field of approximately 80 x 50 meters, interspersed with felt, over three tournament days with six teams. Those who know the most important basic rules – from chukkers and handicaps to the line of the ball – will quickly find their way into the fast-paced action as newcomers.
Polo is considered one of the oldest and most elegant team sports in the world – and appears complex at first glance. However, a few basic rules are enough to fully enjoy the action from the sidelines. Here are the basics of this fast-paced sport, elegantly explained, followed by the special features that distinguish the Ascona Polo Cup.
The Ascona Polo Cup: Polo on Sand
Unlike classic lawn polo, the Ascona Polo Cup is played as arena or sand polo. It is played on a sand surface interspersed with felt pieces: this admixture gives the ground structure and grip, cushions movements and ensures a grippy, sure-footed surface for the horses. At around 80 × 50 meters, the playing field is significantly more compact than a classic lawn field (approx. 270 × 180 m) – and this proximity is intentional: the action remains manageable at all times, the audience sits close to the game, and speed and emotion can be felt immediately.
Instead of four, three players per team compete in Ascona – so it's played three against three. A total of six teams will compete over the three tournament days. On sand, the classic "Divot Stomping", the grass treading that is only necessary on turf, is also omitted. This creates that unmistakable Ascona experience: high-class sport in a confined space, embedded in the Mediterranean scenery on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
The team
In classic lawn polo, each of the four players wears a number corresponding to their position: No. 1 is the attacker, No. 2 the midfielder, No. 3 the tactical linchpin – the heart of the team – and No. 4 (also called 'Back') the defender in the rearmost position. While 1 and 2 orient themselves forward, 3 and 4 take over the defense and build up the game from behind. In Ascona, three players per team play, three against three – the roles are distributed accordingly across three positions.
The playing field
The classic grass polo field measures 300 by 200 yards, or about 270 by 180 meters. The three-meter-high goalposts are 8 yards (approx. 7.20 m) apart and are not firmly anchored for safety reasons. Any ball that is hit between the imaginary extensions of the posts counts as a goal – regardless of height. In Ascona, the sand field measures around 80 × 50 meters.
The playing time
A game consists of at least four and at most eight playing periods, called chukkas. A chukka comprises 7.5 minutes of pure playing time; the clock is stopped during interruptions. The breaks in between, during which the horses are changed, last three to five minutes. After each goal, the teams switch playing direction – initially confusing for first-time visitors. If a player falls off their horse uninjured, the game continues; if a horse falls or is injured, a bridle gets disordered, or a bandage comes loose, play is stopped immediately.
The Handicap
Similar to golf, each player has an individual handicap – on a scale from -2 (beginner) to +10. Worldwide, there are currently only a handful of players with +10; around 90 percent are between 0 and +2. The team handicap is the sum of the individual values; if teams with different team handicaps meet, the weaker one receives a goal advantage.
Line of the Ball
The line of the ball and the right of way form the basis of the game. The line of the ball is the imaginary extension of the direction of the hit ball; it may not be crossed by an opponent. Whoever follows their ball in a straight line or is the first to swing onto the line of the rolling or flying ball without obstructing others may not be crossed – as this would endanger horse and rider.
The mallet and the ball
The polo mallet (also "stick") is usually made of bamboo or willow wood and is held exclusively in the right hand. Depending on the size of the horse and rider, it is 122 to 137 cm long. The end piece used for hitting is called the "cigar". The balls – traditionally made of pressed bamboo, nowadays mostly of plastic – are about ten centimeters in diameter, weigh about 130 grams, and can reach up to 130 km/h when hit hard.
Hooking / Sticken
Hooking, also known as "sticking", interferes with the opponent during an attack on goal: a player hooks their stick into the opponent's and prevents them from hitting the ball. However, one must never hook under the horse's neck or legs – because the most important rule in polo is always the protection of the horse.
Side change and throw-in
After each goal, the direction of play changes. According to tradition, polo was played in India mostly in the evenings due to the heat, when the low-lying sun was blinding; the frequent changes of sides balance the teams' chances. After each goal, there is also a "Throw In": the players of both teams line up on the halfway line towards the opponent's goal, and one of the two referees throws in the ball with the call "Play".
The right style on the sidelines
The full polo experience also includes the right appearance. During the day, stylishly casual is recommended, such as the classic preppy look. For the evenings, the Ascona Polo Cup always has a theme: On Friday, the dress code at the beach party is "simply white", on Saturday evening it's "Welcome to the Jungle!" – wild, colorful, and creative, with a jury awarding the best outfit of the evening. Important: It's not about fancy dress, but about implementing the theme according to your own style.
Frequently Asked Questions about Polo and the Ascona Polo Cup
How many players does a team have in the Ascona Polo Cup?
In the Ascona Polo Cup, three players per team play (three against three), in classic lawn polo it is four.
On what surface is it played in Ascona?
The Ascona Polo Cup is arena/sand polo: It is played on a sand field of approximately 80 × 50 meters, interspersed with pieces of felt.
What is a Chukka?
A chukka is a playing period of 7.5 minutes of pure playing time. A match comprises four to eight chukkas; horses are changed in between.
What does the handicap mean in polo?
Each player has an individual handicap from -2 (beginner) to +10. The team handicap is the sum of the individual values; the weaker team receives a goal advantage if necessary.
What is the «Line of the Ball»?
The line of the ball is the imaginary line of direction of the struck ball. It must not be crossed by an opponent, as this would endanger the horse and rider. Together with the right of way, it forms the basis of the game.
Is there a dress code?
On Friday, the beach party's theme is "simply white", and on Saturday evening, the motto is "Welcome to the Jungle!". During the day, stylishly casual is recommended, such as the preppy look.