I've bought my gradnson a set of boule for part of his Christmas present....Can you give a short basic instruct on how to play: set out court , object of game etc. He is thirteen. I have never played but it appears to be much like ordinary Bowls. Matt plays ten-pin bowling and does very well.
Phil

Hi Phil,
I am sure the set of boules will be a nice Christmas present to your grandson. I hope you bought one for yourself too. One is never too young or too old to learn that fascinating game (I was 59-1/2 years old when I started!

As far as a short basic instruction, if you look on the left of the monitor screen, under PETANQUE, starting with BEGINNERS, you everything you need to know (and more) about the game.

By the way, petanque is a much more complex game (sport) than bowling!!!

HTH,
Guy

Dear Phil,

As general advice to anybody starting to play petanque, I would add: visit a local club if there is one and get some advice and play some games with more experienced players. You’ll invariably find a welcoming group.

As Guy said, petanque is more complex – in terms of techniques and tactics – that many beginners realise. If you learn to play well, you’ll get *so* much more out of the game.

I watch a lot of people who’ve bought a “family” set of boules, and they invariably play some terribly dull, bastardisation of the game, not having a clue about rules, techniques, team roles, surface to play on, etc. I’ve even encountered one player who refused to play on gravel and would only play on grass!!!

Thirteen is a great age to start. Remember, as well, that whilst petanque can be played purely as a “fun, family game”, there is also a whole world of competitive events, right up to World Championship level – maybe you have a future World Champion?

You can always come back to petanque.org for any advice about the game.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy playing.

Regards,

Ray