Rules of the Game
From the sun-drenched squares of Provence to the enclosed courts of Italy – each variant of the boule family has its own character. Here you'll find the essential rules for the four most popular game types.
Quick Comparison
How do the four game types compare? Here's a side-by-side overview of the key differences.
| Aspect | Pétanque | Boccia | Boule Lyonnaise | Jeu Provençal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playing Field | ~15 x 4 m, open terrain | 27.5 x 4 m, enclosed | 27.5 x 3.5–4 m, enclosed | Open, larger area |
| Ball Size | 70.5–80 mm | 100–115 mm | 90–110 mm | 70.5–80 mm |
| Ball Weight | 650–800 g | ~920 g | 900–1200 g | 650–800 g |
| Ball Material | Steel | Wood / Resin | Bronze / Steel | Steel |
| Throwing Style | Standing, feet in circle | Running approach | Running to donnée line | 3 running steps |
| Jack Distance | 6–10 m | Varies | Varies | 15–20 m |
| Team Formats | 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 | 1v1, 2v2, 4v4 | 1v1 to 4v4 | 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 |
| Points to Win | 13 | 12 or 16 | 11 or 13 | 13 |
| Governing Body | FIPJP | FIB | CMSB | FIPJP |
Pétanque
- Playing Field
- ~15 x 4 m, open terrain
- Ball Size
- 70.5–80 mm
- Ball Weight
- 650–800 g
- Ball Material
- Steel
- Throwing Style
- Standing, feet in circle
- Jack Distance
- 6–10 m
- Team Formats
- 1v1, 2v2, 3v3
- Points to Win
- 13
- Governing Body
- FIPJP
Boccia
- Playing Field
- 27.5 x 4 m, enclosed
- Ball Size
- 100–115 mm
- Ball Weight
- ~920 g
- Ball Material
- Wood / Resin
- Throwing Style
- Running approach
- Jack Distance
- Varies
- Team Formats
- 1v1, 2v2, 4v4
- Points to Win
- 12 or 16
- Governing Body
- FIB
Boule Lyonnaise
- Playing Field
- 27.5 x 3.5–4 m, enclosed
- Ball Size
- 90–110 mm
- Ball Weight
- 900–1200 g
- Ball Material
- Bronze / Steel
- Throwing Style
- Running to donnée line
- Jack Distance
- Varies
- Team Formats
- 1v1 to 4v4
- Points to Win
- 11 or 13
- Governing Body
- CMSB
Jeu Provençal
- Playing Field
- Open, larger area
- Ball Size
- 70.5–80 mm
- Ball Weight
- 650–800 g
- Ball Material
- Steel
- Throwing Style
- 3 running steps
- Jack Distance
- 15–20 m
- Team Formats
- 1v1, 2v2, 3v3
- Points to Win
- 13
- Governing Body
- FIPJP
Pétanque
The most popular variant worldwide, originating from Provence, France. Players stand with both feet together inside a small circle. Governed internationally by the FIPJP.
Playing Field
Any reasonably flat terrain works – gravel, sand or packed earth. Competition courts measure approximately 15 m × 4 m. The throwing circle is 50 cm in diameter.
Teams & Players
Tête-à-tête (1 v 1, 3 boules each), Doublette (2 v 2, 3 boules each), or Triplette (3 v 3, 2 boules each).
Gameplay
The cochonnet (jack) is thrown 6–10 m. The team whose boule is furthest from the cochonnet throws next. Both feet must stay inside the circle. Key techniques are pointing (placing) and shooting (knocking).
Scoring
The team closest to the cochonnet scores. One point per boule closer than the opponent's best boule. First to 13 points wins the game.
Boccia
Of Italian origin with ancient Roman roots, boccia is played on enclosed rectangular courts. It remains hugely popular in Italy and among the Italian diaspora worldwide.
Playing Field
Enclosed rectangular court approximately 27.5 m × 4 m with sideboards. Surfaces can be clay, synthetic or crushed stone.
Teams & Players
Singles (4 balls each), Doubles (2 balls each), or Fours (2 balls each).
Gameplay
The pallino (target ball) is thrown first. Players roll or toss to get closest. Techniques include Punto (pointing), Raffa (hitting) and Volo (lofted shot). A running approach is allowed.
Scoring
Proximity-based scoring, similar to pétanque. Games are played to 12 or 16 points depending on the format.
Boule Lyonnaise
Also known as 'Sport Boule', this athletic variant comes from Lyon, France. Recognised by the CMSB, it uses larger balls and allows a running approach – making it the most physically demanding variant.
Playing Field
Fixed enclosed court measuring 27.5 m × 3.5–4 m. The surface must be flat and smooth.
Teams & Players
Singles, Doubles, Triples or Quadruples. Each player uses 1–4 balls depending on the format.
Gameplay
Players take a running approach up to a release line (donnée). Both pointing and shooting are used. The game requires significant physical skill and precision.
Scoring
Proximity-based scoring. Games are played to 11 or 13 points depending on the format.
Jeu Provençal
The ancestor of modern pétanque, also from Provence. This was the standard game before pétanque was invented in 1907. Players take three running steps before throwing.
Playing Field
Open terrain with more space needed than pétanque. The cochonnet is thrown 15–20 m – much further than in pétanque.
Teams & Players
Same formats as pétanque: Tête-à-tête (1 v 1), Doublette (2 v 2) and Triplette (3 v 3).
Gameplay
Three running steps are allowed before releasing the boule (compared to standing still in pétanque). This makes the game more dynamic and physically demanding.
Scoring
Same as pétanque: first team to 13 points wins the game.
Key Terms
The essential vocabulary of the boule world – from boulodrome to triplette.
Boulodrome
A dedicated playing area or venue for boule games, often with multiple marked courts.
But / Cochonnet
The small wooden target ball (also called 'but' or 'jack'), approximately 30 mm in diameter.
Carreau
A perfect shot that knocks away the opponent's boule and stays exactly in its place.
Donnée
The release line in Boule Lyonnaise up to which a player may run before throwing.
Doublette
A 2 v 2 team format where each player uses 3 boules.
Fanny
Losing a game 13–0. Tradition says the loser must 'kiss Fanny' – usually a picture or sculpture.
Mène
A single round of play (similar to an 'end' in lawn bowls).
Pointer
A gentle throw aimed at placing the boule as close as possible to the cochonnet.
Tirer
A forceful throw aimed at knocking away an opponent's boule.
Triplette
A 3 v 3 team format where each player uses 2 boules.