Learn how to play petanque in minutes. Simple rules, no equipment needed, free coaching available. Come and try at Moorooduc Reserve, Mornington Peninsula.

How To Play Petanque

Petanque is a French game played on gravel or grass, where two teams take turns throwing steel balls — called boules — as close as possible to a small wooden target ball called the jack, or cochonnet. That's really all there is to it. Games are played in teams of two or three, take about an hour, and need no special fitness, clothing, or equipment. If you can stand outside and throw, you can play petanque.

One team throws the jack, then both teams take turns throwing their boules toward it.
The team whose boule is furthest away keeps throwing until they get closer — or run out of boules.
At the end of each round, the team with the closest boule scores a point for every boule they have closer than the other team's nearest.
First to 13 points wins. A typical game takes 45 minutes to an hour.

You don't need to own anything to play. We provide all the boules and jacks — just turn up in comfortable flat shoes and something you can stand around in. Most of our members played their first game at the club before they ever bought their own set.

Want to give it a try? Come along any Sunday or Wednesday from 1.30pm. Your first two games are free, all equipment is provided, and someone will be there to show you the ropes.

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