Rules for Bocce

Bocce ball has been played since the days of the ancients, with evidence of bocce games dating to 5200 B.C., according to Mario Pagnoni, author of "The Joy of Bocce." The game's simple and portable nature makes it an entertaining activity for a camping trip or picnic, or to enjoy in your own yard.

Ball Number and Sizes

Eight large balls--the International Faculty & Staff Bocce Association at Armstrong Atlantic State University states that the balls' diameters typically measure 4.25 inches--and one smaller ball, known as the pallino, comprise a bocce game set. The eight large balls are divided equally into two colors, such as red and blue. The smaller ball often is white, but it can be any color other than the colors of the larger balls.

Game Start

Players are divided into two teams of four, with each player holding one of the larger balls. One team starts the game by throwing the pallino anywhere in the open game area. This team can be selected using any method you wish, such as a coin toss. The team that throws the pallino then rolls one of its balls, trying to get the ball as close to the pallino as possible.

Competition

After the pallino-throwing team rolls one of its four balls, the opposing team rolls until it gets a ball closer to the pallino than the ball the first team rolled. The first team then rolls again until one of its balls is closer to the pallino. The turns alternate until each team has rolled all four of its balls.

Scoring

The team whose ball or balls are closest to the pallino earns points. The team receives one point for every ball that is closer to the pallino than the nearest ball from the opposing team, according to the International Faculty & Staff Bocce Association at Armstrong Atlantic State University. Scoring can be modified according to local customs or your own game rules. For example, Cabrillo College's bocce rules give an extra point for any ball that touches the pallino.

Winning

The team that first reaches a predetermined score wins. Traditionally, this threshold is 12 points, but you can lower or raise the point threshold for a shorter or longer bocce game.