Boules

The term boules is used in a number of different ways around the world. Derived from the French word for ball, the word boule(s) can be used interchangeably to describe a number of different lawn bowling games, as well as to refer to the balls used during game play. Most commonly, the term refers to the popular French game pétanque. A few of the many similar games and game variations include boules, bowls, boule lyonnaise, jeu provençal, boule de fort, boule nantaise, boule des berges, boule desflandres, boule bretonne, boule en bois bocce/boccia (including voló and rafa styles), varpa, flat green, crown green, and indoor bowls. Play is usually outdoors or on indoor courts often found in pubs and/or restaurants.

The game of petanque (pronounced PAY-TONK) is one of the more popular versions of boules. Played [Page 91]enthusiastically around the world by members of diverse ethnic groups, it is especially popular in France, where it was developed in the early 1900s, and in French-speaking communities.

Families play it as an informal backyard game, French social club members play it at picnics and other gatherings, and some individuals join pétanque clubs. Local pétanque clubs are affiliated with Federation of Pétanque USA, and others are part of the Fédération Internationale de Pétanque et Jeu Provençal (International Federation of Pétanque), which has branches in 50 countries. Members in the formalized pétanque organizations take part in league play, tournaments, and world championships. The organizations also maintain sport standards that include acceptable gear standards, player behavior, and rules.

Pétanque is played with metal balls or boules on any hard-packed dirt surface. Individuals can play the game as singles or in teams of two or three members. Six boules are used per team except during one-on-one games, when the two players each use a set of three boules. The player starting the game draws a small circle on the ground and, with both feet in the circle, tosses the small (often wooden) target jack or cochonet to a distance of six to 10 meters.

Players then throw, not roll, the boules toward the jack to score points. When necessary, distances are measured carefully to determine which boule is closest. Unlike in other similar games, in pétanque the jack is not fixed. As a result, game play is dynamic, and the outcome of a game can change quickly. Points are gained for every ball that is closest to the central jack. Rounds are played until a team reaches a total of 13 points. Matches routinely consist of a total of three games.

Despite a more or less standardized way of playing the game, many folk versions abound, and most players learn the game by word of mouth or by example by playing the game with more experienced players. The boules are usually commercially made, heavy metal balls (usually steel), inscribed with a pattern to tell the teams apart. Players often make their own handmade scoreboards and measuring devices and carry cloths on their belt loops to wipe their hands often.

Playing the game takes on social importance at gatherings such as family picnics and Bastille Day events. Players customarily celebrate after the game with picnic food and wine. Workers might gather for games during the lunch hour in city parks. In this tradition, local clubs often sponsor free lessons and provide gear for games during weekday lunch hours in public parks.

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