How to Play Pétanque: Our Comprehensive Guide
Originally posted on & updated on 15th October, 2024
If you love France like we do, chances are you have been introduced to pétanque or witnessed locals playing boules under plane trees in a village square or an improvised boulodrome. Pétanque, a timeless French pastime, goes beyond the sport itself, it’s a popular activity that brings people together in parks, gardens, riverbanks, and campsites, especially in the summer.
Whether you’re sharing a friendly game with neighbours, unwinding with a match during aperitif hour, or enjoying a post-meal ‘competition’ with family, pétanque offers an inviting, outdoor experience that’s both engaging and fun. Here’s a breakdown of the rules and strategies of the pétanque game, along with a few tips for creating your own boules pitch at home.
A Brief History of Pétanque
Pétanque originated in the early 20th century from La Ciotat near Marseille in southern France’s Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region. Since then, it has become an essential game of French leisure, spreading its reputation worldwide. While it involves some skill and strategy, what truly defines pétanque is its spirit of camaraderie and shared moments with others.
The Difference between Pétanque and Boules Lyonnaises
The boules used in pétanque are typically hollow, made of metal, and smaller in size; we strongly recommend not playing with plastic boules; save them for the kids and the beach. Boules Lyonnaises, often called “Sport-Boules,” are more dynamic and physically demanding. Players can take a run-up before throwing the boules, and the game is played on longer and more varied terrain, indoors and outdoors.
The Essential Equipment
Before diving into learning and playing the game, you need the following equipment:
- Boules are the metal balls used in play, typically around 73 mm in diameter. Depending on the availability of boules and the number of players, each player will have 2 or 3 boules. Each set has a distinctive pattern to help identify them from other players during a match.
- Cochonnet (jack): A smaller wooden ball that serves as the target for the boules. Cochonnets are often and easily lost. If you have misplaced yours, try using the cork from a bottle of wine or, better, Champagne.
- A piece of string or a tape measurer: Used to measure distances between boules and the jack.
- A cloth or a towel: Used to clean the dusty boules and/or hands between turns.
- Playing Surface: Pétanque is usually played on a gravel or sandy surface, but a flat space in your garden, courtyard, or park can work just as well. A slightly uneven surface adds to the challenge.
The Basics of Pétanque
The aim of pétanque is simple; you need to get your boules as close to the cochonnet (jack) as possible. Here’s how pétanque is played:
Starting a Game of Pétanque
After a coin toss, the winner draws a circle (or a line) with the jack and then throws it to start the game. Any player from the coin-toss-winning team throws the first boule; they must have their feet in the ring or play behind the line.
The game begins when one team throws the cochonnet between 6 and 10 meters away. Teams then take turns throwing their boules, aiming to land as close to the cochonnet as possible. The team with the furthest boule keeps throwing until their boule is closest. Once all boules are thrown, the distances to the cochonnet are measured to determine which team is closest.
Playing in Teams
Pétanque offers several team formats:
- Singles: One player vs. one player. With 2 or 3 boules each.
- Doubles: Two players per team, usually with two boules each
- Triples: Three players per team, usually with two boules each
Team dynamics add a layer of strategy. In doubles and triples, players typically specialise in pointing (getting the boule close) or shooting (knocking away opponents’ boules).
How to Win a Game of Pétanque
The goal of pétanque is to be the first team to reach 13 points. Points are scored at the end of each round, after all boules have been thrown and the distances between the boules and the cochonnet (jack) are measured.
How Many Points Are Needed to Win
The first team to reach 13 points wins the game. This can be achieved over multiple rounds. A game can last as long as necessary, depending on how quickly teams accumulate points. Some games may be short, while others may be drawn out over several rounds, depending on how evenly matched the teams are.
How to Count Points and Measure
End of the Round: The round ends once all players have thrown all their boules. The team with the boule(s) closest to the cochonnet scores points. Only the team with the closest boule to the cochonnet scores points for that round. They receive one point for each of their boules that are closer to the cochonnet than the opponent’s closest boule. For example:
If one team has the two closest boules, and no boules from the other team are closer, that team scores 2 points.
If a team has the closest boule, but the next closest boule belongs to the opposing team, they score 1 point for the round.
Recap Example
Let’s say Team A and Team B are playing. After all the boules are thrown in a round:
- Team A has one boule that is 5 centimetres away from the cochonnet.
- Team B has a boule that is 10 centimetres away, but their second boule is 20 centimetres away.
In this situation, Team A wins the round and scores 1 point because their closest boule is nearer to the cochonnet than any of Team B’s boules. If team A had a second boule placed 7 centimetres from the cochonnet, it would have scored 2 points.
The game continues with another round until one team reaches 13 points. This straightforward point system makes pétanque easy to follow, even for beginners, while offering enough depth for strategic play.
Sharpening Your Skills
Mastering pétanque requires more than luck; it demands technique and practice. While pointing and shooting are vital skills, advanced players often refine specific techniques to gain a competitive edge. For those looking to elevate their game, consider practising the following techniques:
- Pointing: Practice landing your boule as close to the cochonnet as possible, adjusting angles and spins to suit different situations.
- Shooting: Learn to accurately knock your opponent’s boule out of the way, balancing power and precision while impressing the opposite team and spectating friends.
- “Carreau”: the carreau shot allows you to remove an opponent’s boule while replacing it with your own in its spot, requiring both precision and power. It’s one of the most impressive moves a player can make, often turning the game’s tide in one single shot.
- “Plombé”: The plombé technique involves throwing the boule with a high and steep trajectory to ensure it lands without rolling or bouncing. It’s useful for avoiding obstacles and placing the boule near the cochonnet without displacing it. Mastering this technique takes practice and patience, but it can become a powerful tool in pétanque.
- Tactics: Decide when to aim directly for the cochonnet, block opponents, or attempt a risky but rewarding shot. Beginners should aim to play safe and use simple shots, prioritising boule placement.
- Team Strategy: When playing as a team, players often discuss the most accurate placer of the boules (pointing) and the best shooting specialist, sharing turns depending on the shot type and difficulty. Communication and teamwork are key to developing a winning strategy.
Where to Play Pétanque
One of the joys of pétanque is its versatility, and you can play it almost anywhere, as long as the weather and pitch are dry.
- Local Clubs and Tournaments: Join a club or participate in local competitions to meet fellow enthusiasts and test your skills.
- Parks and Campsites: Many parks and campsites offer designated pétanque areas, perfect for an impromptu game.
- Gardens and Courtyards: With just a bit of space, you can easily set up a game at home, making pétanque an accessible pastime for everyone.
The Social Side of Boules
What makes pétanque truly special is the way it brings people together. It’s more than just a game; it’s an opportunity to connect:
- Playing with Neighbours: Organising a friendly match can help strengthen your community, build friendships, and pick-up new French words.
- Aperitif Time: At a campsite or during a casual afternoon, pétanque adds a fun, relaxed vibe to social gatherings. In the summer, take a hat and try to play in the shade around lunchtime.
- Family Fun: After a satisfying dinner, engage the entire family and guests in a fun and friendly competition that is enjoyable for all that partake. And why not arrange a BBQ with a few drinks to complete the al-fresco experience?
- Organise a Charity Event: It’s easy, fun, and can be played at lunchtime if you’re preparing an event with work colleagues. In the past, we have co-sponsored a pétanque tournament with Colliers and HSBC to benefit the Macmillan Cancer charity. Many work partners and friends supported it, including my mum, who prepared food and snacks for the final, which the town mayor attended.
More Than a Game
Pétanque is not just a game; it’s a kind of social ritual, a source of guaranteed fun, and an activity anyone of any age can enjoy; it is played by 20 million people in France. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, anything can happen in a game; anyone can win. So, grab your boules, gather your friends or family, and head to a pitch to enjoy the simple pleasures of pétanque. It’s a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends, entertain guests and perhaps even spark a new passion.
In Memory of Fred “La Guepe”
We hope this article helps you understand and improve your game and provides insight into this popular pastime. We want to dedicate it to our dear friend “Fred la Guepe” in Burgundy, who passed away two years ago from Cancer. He hosted many parties and cooked excellent barbecues at his house on the “bords de Saone”, sometimes under floodlights until the early hours. Encore merci Fred, we had many memorable parties and evenings, delicious food and wine, and the music selection was always excellent.
Join Macmillan Cancer Support in Paris
If you already live in France and are into running sports and helping charities, consider joining Macmillan for the Paris Marathon 2025 Starting on the Champs Elysees, you’ll pass world-famous sites such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Bastille and the Eiffel Tower.
Finally, if you’d like to learn more about moving here, check out our comprehensive guide to living and working in France after you finish your game!
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