Pétanque Rules and Etiquette

Pétanque has a small set of official rules and a larger set of unwritten ones. Both matter. The official rules keep the game fair; the etiquette keeps it enjoyable.

Basic Rules

  • The game begins with a coin toss. The winning team throws out the cochonnet — the small wooden target ball — between 6 and 10 meters from the circle.
  • All players throw from inside a small circle drawn in the ground, with both feet together and both feet on the ground until the boule has landed.
  • The first team throws a boule toward the cochonnet. The opposing team then throws.
  • The team whose boule is NOT closest to the cochonnet always throws next.
  • Each team must play within one minute of the other team's throw.
  • When it's unclear which boule is closest, the team that threw last is responsible for measuring.
  • Each team may fill in one hole or divot before throwing.
  • Once a team has thrown all its boules, the other team throws any remaining boules.
  • After the last boule has been played, don't move anything until both teams have agreed on the score.
  • The team with the closest boule scores one point for each of their boules that is closer to the cochonnet than the opponent's best boule.
  • First team to 13 points wins.

    • Etiquette

    Pétanque is a social game and most play — even in competition — happens in a sporting but friendly atmosphere. A few things to keep in mind:

    • Don't walk across a game in progress or anyone practicing shooting.
    • When someone is throwing, stand still and be quiet.
    • Watch from at least 2 meters away and not in the player's line of sight.
    • If you arrive while a game is underway, wait for it to finish before asking to join — unless you're invited in.
    • If your game is done and others are waiting to play, include them rather than starting another game among yourselves.
    • Talk with your teammates about who will point and who will shoot. Agree on strategy before throwing — and don't criticize a partner who misses.
    • The view from inside the circle can be deceptive. Get out and look at the boules on the ground before you throw.
    • If you've thrown all your boules, stay out of it — don't walk to the cochonnet, check positions, or measure while the other team is still playing.
    • If the cochonnet is thrown too short (less than 6 meters) or too far (more than 10 meters), the opposing team places it wherever they like within the valid range.

    Official Rules and Downloads

    For the full official rules, the following documents are available from the FPUSA (Federation of Pétanque USA):

    • Official Rules of Pétanque (FIPJP 2020)
    • Pétanque Rules Booklet — printable format
    • Annotated Official Rules — by National Umpire Gary Jones, recommended for umpire study
    • Penalties in Pétanque
    • Umpire Quick Reference Guide

    Links to the official PDFs can be found at usapetanque.org

    New to the game?

    If you're just getting started, don't worry about memorizing the rules before you show up. Experienced players are always glad to walk newcomers through it, and you'll pick it up quickly once you're playing.

    See the Weekly Play Schedule