Playing Petanque the Basics

1   A coin is tossed by either team, the winning team choosing a playing area known as a Piste and place a ring in their chosen spot, its position must be marked at front and one side and replaced in position if accidentally moved in the course of play. Play starts with a member of the toss winning team throwing the jack which must be to a position on the piste between 6 and 10 metres from the circle.

2   All players unless physically disabled must stand with both feet completely within and not touching the circle to throw either the jack or their boules, both feet must remain in contact with the ground throughout the throwing process.

3   If the jack does not fall within the prescribed distances the opposing team may place the jack in a position of their choice within the prescribed distances. The starting team then throws the first boule but this does not need to be the same team member as threw the jack.

4   When both teams have thrown their first boules it is decided which team’s boule is closest to the jack - either by consensus, by measurement or by a decision made by an umpire. Play will then continue with the team being furthest from the jack throwing the next boule, continuing with the team furthest from the jack until they either place one closer to the jack  or their team runs out of available boules. If a team runs out of boules the opposing team then throws their remaining boules.

5   When both teams have thrown all their boules the end is finished and the score taken, noting the number of balls from the winning team that are closer to the jack than any of the opposing team’s. This score is to be noted and agreed by both teams. Only then may boules be moved or removed from their position on the piste.

6   The team winning an end will now start a new end from the position of the jack at the conclusion of the previous end, the sequence following the same procedure as earlier ends.

7   There is no set number of ends in a game and ends shall continue until one team reaches a winning score which is normally 13 unless specified otherwise, or the time set for a game expires should the game be played to timed rules.

9   When a player is throwing, no opposing players should be within two metres of either the jack or the throwing circle nor in the region between the circle and the jack. Players should not talk, heckle or otherwise interfere with a throwing players concentration. 

10  Always congratulate the winning team and thank your team members for their contribution whether you have won or lost, the custom is to shake hands with the opposing team and your own team members .