How to Play Pétanque
Pétanque is a classic French game that’s easy to learn and fun for all skill levels. Players take turns tossing metal boules, aiming to land as close as possible to a small target ball called the jack. Whether you’re learning the game or playing a friendly match, pétanque is a great way to enjoy a little competition at the Seaside Athletic Club.
- Choose Your Teams
- Play 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2, or 3 vs. 3. Players use either two or three metal balls, called boules, depending on team size.
- Start From the Circle
- All players throw from the same circle. Both feet must stay inside the circle and on the ground while throwing.
- Throw the Jack
- A coin toss determines which team starts. That team throws the small target ball, called the jack, approximately 20–33 feet away.
- Throw the First Boule
- The starting team throws a boule, trying to land it as close to the jack as possible. This is called pointing.
- Take the Point
- The opposing team throws next and tries to get closer to the jack. The team whose boule is not closest continues throwing until they take the point or run out of boules.
- Point or Shoot
- Players can throw their boule close to the jack (pointing) or try to knock an opponent’s boule away (shooting).
- Score the Round
- Once all boules have been thrown, the team closest to the jack scores 1 point for every boule closer to the jack than the opposing team’s closest boule.
- Start the Next Round
- The team that scored begins the next round and throws the jack again.
- Win the Game
- Continue playing rounds until one team reaches 13 points. First to 13 wins!
