Pétanque at Resort Veluwe

You are probably familiar with pétanque. But what are the rules exactly? We are happy to explain them to you.

The object of the game

In a pétanque competition, a team can consist of one to three players. The object of the game is to throw your boules (large steel balls) closest to the jack (small wooden ball). The first team to reach 13 points wins the match.

Game rules

• A maximum of 12 balls may be in play. Does a team consist of a single player? In that case, they may have a maximum of 3 balls. If you play with several players in a team, each player gets 2 balls.
• Only underhand throws are allowed.
• The starting team is determined by drawing lots.
• The game starts by throwing the jack a distance of 6 to 10 meters. The jack must be at least 0.5 m from the edge of the court.
• The team that threw the jack may also throw the first boule. The aim is to throw the boule as close to the jack as possible.
• Next, it is the other team's turn. This team must throw the ball closer to the jack. If they do not manage to do this, they must keep throwing until a ball is closer.
• When they managed to do this, it is the other team's turn. This repeats throughout the game. The team that throws the ball closest to the jack passes the turn to the other team.
• If at any point a team runs out of balls, the other team may continue throwing. The aim is to throw as many boules as possible near the jack.
• The balls (but and boules) may be bounced away on purpose to take the opponent away from the jack.
• The player (team) closest to the jack at the end of the game gets the points. 1 ball equals 1 point. If the first two balls of the same player are closest, that player gets two points. Continue counting this way until an opponent's ball is closer.
• The closest player (team) gets to throw the jack next turn.
• The first player (team) to reach 13 points wins the match.