How to Play Pétanque
Everything you need to know to get started with pétanque – from choosing your boules to playing your first game.
What You Need
To play pétanque, you need a set of boules (metal balls), a cochonnet (small wooden target ball), a measuring tape for close calls, and a throwing circle (or draw one on the ground). That's it – no special court required.
Choosing Your Boules
Competition boules range from 70.5 to 80 mm in diameter and 650 to 800 g in weight. Beginners should start with medium-weight boules around 700 g. Choose a diameter that fits comfortably in your hand – smaller hands benefit from 71–72 mm, larger hands from 74–76 mm. Hardness and striation patterns affect how the boule behaves on the terrain.
Grip & Stance
Hold the boule with an underhand grip – palm facing down, back of hand facing up. Let the boule rest in your fingers, not pressed into your palm. Two common stances: standing upright (better for longer distances) or crouching low (gives you a better view of the terrain, recommended for 6–8 m throws). Choose what feels most natural.
Basic Techniques
Pointer (Placing)
A gentle underhand throw that rolls or lobs the boule close to the cochonnet. The most common technique – accuracy over power.
Tirer (Shooting)
A forceful throw aimed at knocking an opponent's boule away. High risk, high reward – used when your opponent has a strong position.
Demi-portée (Half-lob)
A mid-range technique between pointing and shooting. The boule lands halfway and rolls the rest. Useful on uneven terrain.
Your First Game
- 1
Draw lots to decide which team starts. The starting team draws a circle on the ground (or places a folding circle).
- 2
A player from the starting team throws the cochonnet 6 to 10 meters from the circle.
- 3
The same player throws the first boule, trying to get close to the cochonnet.
- 4
The opposing team throws next, trying to get closer.
- 5
The team that is furthest from the cochonnet keeps throwing until they get closer or run out of boules.
- 6
When all boules have been thrown, measure which are closest. The team with the closest boule scores one point per boule that is closer than the opponent's best.
- 7
The scoring team starts the next round by drawing a new circle where the cochonnet was.
- 8
The first team to reach 13 points wins the game.
Common Mistakes
Throwing too hard
Pétanque is about finesse, not force. A gentle throw is usually more accurate.
Not reading the terrain
Slopes, stones and bumps all affect your boule. Study the ground before you throw.
Ignoring strategy
Don't always aim for the cochonnet – sometimes blocking or shooting is the smarter play.
Wrong boule size
A boule that's too big or too heavy for your hand will hurt your accuracy.
Not crouching to judge
From standing height, distances are deceptive. Crouch down to see which boule is actually closest.
Next Steps
Ready to take your game further? Explore the full rules, learn the etiquette, or find the perfect boules for your style.