We could have reproduced the rules as per the Squash Raquets Association, but as we found them rather technical and boring to read, we thought we'd just provide a guide to the aspects of the squash that are most often the cause of uncertainty and discussion.

Scoring

• Matches are generally the best of 5 games
• Using British scoring, the game is won by the player who scores 9 point unless the score is 8-all, in which case the non-serving player shall chose whether to decide the game with the next one or next two points.
• Points can only be scored by the server
• First service is decided on the spin of a racket and the server serves until he loses a point

A return is good if the ball bounces once and then is returned by the striker to the wall above the board, without first touching the floor, either player or their racquets or clothing.

A Let

A Let is given is a player would have been able to get to the play in the absence of interference from his opponent. The point is played again with the same server serving the ball.

No Let will be called if:

1. The player would not have got to the ball in time
2. If the player did not demonstrate sufficiently that he could have got the ball
3. If the player attempted the shot and then missed it (unless he is obstructed by his opponent in his backswing)

A Stroke

The point is awarded if :

• If the striker was in a winning position and his opponent prevented him from getting to the ball.
• If the striker's opponent had not made enough effort to clear out of the way

Hitting an Opponent with the Ball

The striker wins the point if the ball would have hit the front wall first and been up but unfortunately hit his opponent (ouch!). If the ball would have hit the side wall first it is a let. Obviously, or maybe not to the more malicious squash player you should avoid playing playing the ball if you think you will hit your opponent. The ref should smile kindly and award you either the let or stroke.