The sport of pétanque is played by individuals (singles) teams of two (pairs)or three (triples). The playing area, known as a piste, can comprise different surfaces or terrain. Generally, the surface is fine gravel, but other surfaces can be used. Pétanque, also known as boules, is played with steel boules varying in diameter from 70.5 mm to 80 mm and vary in weight from 650 grams to 800 grams.

Children under 11 years old can play with boules of 65 mm diameter weighing 600 grams. The object of the sport is like lawn bowls, curling, and others, in that the ball closest to the jack wins. The player stands within a hoop of 500 mm diameter and ‘throws’ their ball to land as close to the jack as possible.

A player from the opposing team then throws to ‘better’ the first ball thrown; if the player does not ‘better’ the first ball played he/she continues to play until a ball lands closer to the jack or exhausts the team’s boules. When all boules have been played the score is determined by the number of boules of one team that are closer to the jack than their opponents. The winning team is the first to reach a total of 13 points.

You can learn how to play by visiting our helpful guide.