Croquet, anyone?

Croquet has always been a summertime favorite in our family. We were visiting friends recently and played several times. The host had his own rules--if one is "poison", she knocks that individual out of the game. and still has two bonus shots. Hitting another ball before the "poison" part of the game allows one either two free shots or one free shot and the opportunity to drive the ball that was hit. This man always wins with "his"rules. Where is the croquet expert when you need one?
Can you tell that I was ......?