1. Pétanque is a ball and target game played by two teams of either one player against one player (singles), two players against two players (doubles) or three players against three players (triples). In doubles and singles each player uses three boules. In triples each player uses two boules. However, singles and doubles players using sets of four or eight Boules will have a very enjoyable casual game with two boules per player.

2. Players use metal boules, diameter between 70mm and 80mm, weight not to exceed 800 grams. The jack ball is wooden, its diameter between 25mm and 30mm.

3. The first team is chosen by tossing a cloth. Any player in this team chooses the starting place, and draws on the ground a circle in which to stand. This should be between 36cm and 50cm across. Both feet of the thrower must remain inside the circle until the boule has reached the ground.

4. This player throws the jack between 6m and 10m away, not nearer than 50cm from any obstacle (wall, trees, etc).

5. Then he/she throws the first boule trying to place it as near as possible to the jack.

6. A player in team number two comes into the circle and tries to throw his boule nearer to the jack, or knock away the leading boule placed there by the other team. The boule nearest to the jack leads.

7. Then it is up to a player in the team not leading to throw until his own team gets a leading boule, and so on…

8. When a team has no more boules, the players of the other team throw theirs and try to “place” them as close as possible to the jack.

9. When the two teams have no more boules, the points are counted. The winning team gets as many points as it has boules which are better placed than the best of the losing team.

10. A player of the winning team throws the jack from the point where it is, and the game starts again until one of the teams gets 13 points and therefore is the winning team if they have a 2 point advantage. If not, playing continues and the first to 15 is the winning team. Shorter games of up to 9 or 11 points are optional.

Boules last a lifetime. To keep your Boules in the best condition:
• Make sure your boules are clean and dry before putting away.
• Do not leave your boules out overnight where they may get damp.
• If you play near the sea remove all traces of salt. If necessary rinse the boules in fresh water. Always dry.
• Do not play on hard sealed surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
• If you need to store your boules coat them with a light oil and store in a warm dry place.  

http://www.pentanque.org.nz