What is the difference between petanque and boules?

“Petanque” and “boules” are two different names for the same game. In French, the word “boule” means “ball” and in France people often refer to the game simply as boules (pronounced BOOL). Outside of France the game is usually referred to as “petanque” (pronounced pay-TONK).

Can you throw underarm in petanque?

You are not allowed to throw underarm (palm up). Petanque is typically played on a rough and uneven surface, so throwing a boule (rather than rolling it) is usually the best way to put a petanque boule in motion.

How many boules do you need to play petanque?

In singles, each player has three boules, in doubles, each player has three boules and for triples, each player has just two boules. The jack or cochonnet is a small wooden ball around 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Normally a tool called a baguette is used to measure the distance between boules in close situations.

Can you roll the ball in petanque?

Pétanque is best played on small gravel, but can also be played on sand or grass (my least favourite, because then the balls can’t really roll). It is forbidden to touch or remove any obstacle on the terrain (a pebble, a leaf, a twig, etc).

Are bocce balls the same as petanque?

The main difference between bocce ball and petanque is the playing technique. Bocce ball is a bowling game where you bowl the boule. Whilst petanque is more of a tossing game where you throw the boule. Bocce ball players also take some steps before throwing, just like bowling.

What surface do you play boules on?

Variations in the playing surface are normal; Boules can be played on nearly any soft, flat surface. The surface needs to be kept fairy loose and gritty by raking over if it becomes to flat and compacted to hold the boules from rolling too far and fast.

Are you allowed to hit the jack in boules?

After a team has thrown its first boule, it no longer has the right to challenge the jack. Neither team may challenge the jack after the jack has been measured and shown to be valid.

What happens if you hit the jack in boules?

If the boules rest on the side of the pistes, they are taken out. If a boule hits or rests against the back sleepers, the boule is out. If the jack ball is knocked out of play, the end must be played again.

How long does a game of petanque last?

A round typically takes about 5 minutes, so they can reliably predict that a SNOR game of 6 or 7 rounds will take 30-35 minutes. A family can arrive at 2pm, play three games, chat with friends, and be confident that they will be able to leave around 4pm.

How do you remove rust from petanque balls?

If you have a boule for which that isn’t enough, then soak the boule in distilled white vinegar for a day or two. The acetic acid in the vinegar will soften the rust so that it can easily be scrubbed away.

Are boules and bowls the same?

In the 14th century, Charles IV and Charles V of France forbade the sport to commoners; only in the 17th century was the ban lifted. By the 19th century, in England the game had become bowls or “lawn bowling”. In France it was known as boules and was played throughout the country.

What is the small ball in petanque called?

The History of the Pétanque game In Jeu Provençal, players first draw a circle on the ground, then throw a small ball called a bouchon or cochonnet between 12 and 20 meters. The players try to place their balls as close to the cork as possible.