Pétanque Recipe

Prepare the playing area

Choose a flat, compact surface roughly 10–15 meters long and 4–6 meters wide. Clear large stones or debris that would make throws unpredictable. If desired, mark boundaries with cones or tape.

Create a throwing circle about 35–50 cm (14–20 in) in diameter using chalk, tape or a small ring. Players must throw from inside this circle with at least one foot on the ground while throwing.

Decide teams: standard Pétanque is played 1v1 (three boules each) or 2v2/3v3 (three boules per player in triples, two per player in doubles). Distribute boules so each player/team has an equal number.

Determine first throw

Flip a coin or draw lots to choose the team that throws the cochonnet and first boule. The winning team draws the throwing circle and throws the cochonnet between 6 and 10 meters from the circle, keeping it at least 1 meter from any boundary or obstacle.

The same player who threw the cochonnet throws the first boule from inside the circle, with both feet on the ground (or one foot touching the ground depending on local rules) until the boule lands.

Alternate play

Teams alternate throwing boules trying to place them closer to the cochonnet than the opponent’s nearest boule. Play continues until all boules have been played by both sides.

If a team has the boule closest to the cochonnet after an opponent throws, the opponent keeps throwing until they either place a boule closer or run out of boules. Players may choose to point (lob gently to land near the jack) or shoot (throw to hit an opponent’s boule away).

Players must always throw from within the circle and may step out only after the boule has landed. Boules that touch the boundary or go out of play are considered out unless they knocked the cochonnet back into play.

Measure and award points

When all boules have been played, determine which team has the boule(s) closest to the cochonnet. That team scores one point for each boule that is closer to the cochonnet than the opponents’ closest boule. Use a measuring tape or jack-to-boule comparison if distances are disputed.

Record the points on the score pad. The team that scored throws the cochonnet for the next end. Continue playing ends until a team reaches 13 points (standard) or another pre-agreed target.

If the cochonnet is knocked out of bounds, the end is void and replayed with the same team throwing the cochonnet. If the cochonnet remains in bounds after contact, play continues with its new position.

A player must not step outside the circle before the boule lands; doing so results in the boule being removed from play. Sportsmanship is expected: disputes should be resolved by measuring or mutual agreement.

In casual play, local variations are common (allowing different circle sizes, distances, scoring to 11 or 15, etc.). Agree on any variations before starting the match.

When a team reaches the agreed winning score (commonly 13), the match ends. Congratulate opponents and collect boules and equipment.

Tips: practice both pointing and shooting, vary boule weight/size to match hand strength, and learn to read the terrain (gravel vs. dirt) to control roll and bounce.