Rule 8 · HPA Blue Book 2026
Duration of the game
A game normally lasts 4 to 6 chukkas, with fixed intervals between them.
Number of Chukkas. The standard duration of a game shall be 4 - 6 chukkas, excluding extra time, but this may be varied by the Tournament Committee according to the level of the polo.
Intervals. Intervals between chukkas will be 3 minutes, with a 5 minute interval at half time and before extra time. In games of 5 chukkas, the half time interval shall be after the third chukka. A bell shall be rung at the end of these intervals as a signal to the umpires to restart play.
A four-chukka game: each chukka 7 minutes and up to 30 seconds more; intervals of 3 minutes, and 5 at half time.