Bocce ball is a game that is easy to learn and set up. The game originated in ancient Egypt and gained popularity over the centuries. While you can play bocce ball on specially designed courts, most casual players play "open bocce." You can play open bocce just about anywhere you can find open, level space. Official bocce ball games and tournaments have strict rules and regulations, but simple rules and guidelines are best for beginners who are learning the game.
Step 1
Find an area to play. Ideally, you need a level, open area approximately 60 to 70 feet in length and 10 to 12 feet in width. An accessible space in your yard, park or beach will work just fine.
Step 2
Divide into teams of two, four or eight players. Each team evenly divides four bocce balls among players.
Step 3
Toss the smaller ball called the "pallino" toward the opposite end of the playing area and past the center. Any of the players can throw the pallino.
Step 4
Start the game by allowing someone from the team that threw the pallino to toss a bocce ball. The goal is to get your bocce balls closer to the pallino than your opponent does.
Step 5
Continue the game by alternating bocce ball tosses between players or teams. Players continue to toss until they have thrown all four balls.
Step 6
Determine which team has balls closer to the pallino. Award 1 point to that team for every bocce ball that is closer to the pallino than the opposing team's closest ball. If each team's closest ball is an equal distance to the pallino, that round is a tie and neither team receives points. Continue playing until one player or team accumulates 13 points and wins the game.
Tips and Warnings
- Players can strategically toss a ball to knock another player's bocce ball away from the pallino or hit the pallino so it rolls to a closer distance to their balls.
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