Throwing an object toward a target is the oldest game known to man and dates back to at least 5000 B.C. The modern game of bachi ball, or bocce ball, can be traced to the time of Hippocrates and Galileo. Today bocce ball is played by people around the world in formal tournaments and informal settings. It is an addicting game that resembles bowling and requires skill and strategy. The game is played by throwing a small ball, the pallino, into the playing area. Then players take turns throwing the larger bocce ball, attempting to get as close as possible to the pallino.
Step 1
Choose teams of one or two players. In tips there is a variation on the game for eight players.
Step 2
Divide the bocce balls between the players. For a two-person team each player gets two bocce balls, while for a game of singles each player gets four bocce balls.
Step 3
Toss a coin or randomly select who will begin the game.
Step 4
The selected player begins the frame by tossing the pallino.
Step 5
The same player then throws two bocce balls, trying to get as close as possible to the pallino.
Step 6
The starting team stands aside as the first player from the opposing team throws two bocce balls with the objective of getting their bocce balls as close as possible to the pallino.
Step 7
The opposing team stands aside as the starting team throws their last two bocce balls.
Step 8
The starting team stands aside as the opposing team throws their last two bocce balls.
Step 9
Score the frame by observing which team has the closest bocce ball to the palllino. That team is awarded one point for each of their bocce balls that are closer to the pallino than the other team's closest bocce ball.
Step 10
The team that scored points in the last frame starts the next frame by rolling the pallino and the first bocce ball.
Step 11
Play as many frames as needed to reach 16 points or to any mutually agreeable count.
Tips and Warnings
- While playing bocce ball think ahead, like chess. Possible strategies include knocking an opponent's ball out of scoring position, redirecting the pallino to a new position, or leaving a ball in front of the pallino to block your opponent's attempt. Bocce ball can be played in your front yard, in a park, at the beach or in a specially designed court. Keep in mind that different types of terrain pose different challenges and makes the game more interesting. Bocce ball can be played with eight players, with each player having one bocce ball and alternating turns until everyone has taken a turn.
- If the closest bocce ball of both teams is equidistant from the pallino, there is no score for the frame. If there is no score in a frame then the frame is replayed.
Things You'll Need
- 2 or 4 players
- 8 bocce balls
- 1 pallino
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