The game of boules, or boccie, is played between two players or teams. Players seek to place their boules nearer to the target jack than their opponents’ boules, or to displace their opponents’ boules and so improve the position of their own boules in relation to the jack.

Any type of surface may be used. The lines are traced with a baguette; they must be clearly visible and may be retraced if necessary. (Lines must have been challenged before a shot if any allowance is to be made.) The standard pitch length is 27.5m; it may be reduced to a minimum of 24.5m.
For international matches, the minimum pitch width is 3m, and there must be end banks at least 20mm high.

Une “boule pointée’ (a point), is a boule thrown, from a standing position, to travel along the ground and stop as near as possible to the jack.
Une “boule portée” is a boule thrown into the air in a parabolic arc and intended to stop as near as possible to the jack.
Une “boule tirée” is a boule thrown, from a run, into the air in a parabolic arc and intended to displace another object (boule or target jack) on landing.

one against one (three or four boules per player);
two against two (two or three boules per player);
three against three (two boules per player);
four against four (two boules per player).

The “baguette” is used for tracing lines and marks, and for measuring and evaluating distances. Both teams’ baguettes must be identical.

Boules must be made of metal or synthetic material. They must not be nailed, or weighted with lead. They must be 8.8-11cm in diameter and weigh 0.7-1.3kg. Any boule disallowed by the umpire must be replaced.

The JACK must be made of wood, and without hobnails, ridges, or lead weighting. It may be coloured only to aid visibility under abnormal conditions. An irregular jack must be replaced.