How to Play Open Bocce

Open Bocce is the Italian game modified for American conditions. It can be played almost anywhere on a variety of surfaces, so it's a great introduction to one of the world's oldest forms of lawn bowling.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Understand that open bocce is played between two players or two teams of up to four players on a team.

2. Assemble nine balls: eight large balls, four of one color, four of another. The ninth ball is the target ball, called a "jack" or "pallino."

3. Appoint a designated official under the scruitiny of each team. They will determine the points scored.

4. Position each player behind the person throwing the ball, in a single-file line.

5. Throw the target ball, called the "jack," or "pallino," any distance and in any direction you choose.

6. Roll or throw your two bocce balls as close to the pallino as possible. Then a player on the opposing team rolls and tries to place his balls nearer the target ball. A second player from your team throws his two balls, followed by the last player from Team B. If there are four players on a team, each player throws one ball.

7. Throw, pitch or bowl your ball as close to the jack as possible; try to displace your opponent's ball if it is closer than yours. You have the option of rolling, throwing, bouncing or "banking" the ball down the court provided it does not go out-of-bounds or you do not violate foul markers. You can also "spock" a ball (hit out an opponent's ball) in trying to obtain a point, or decreasing your opposing team's points.

8. Count the number of your balls closer to the jack than your opponent's balls. This can be determined by sight or by actual measurement.

Tips & Warnings

• In case of a tie between two balls of opposing teams, the balls can cancel each other's score or may be played again by the same players. (An agreement on this point must be reached before the game begins.) If 2 balls from one team are tied, both balls will score.

• Bocce Ball, one of the oldest forms of lawn bowling, originated in Italy. Because it can be played by people of all ages on a great variety of surfaces, it is becoming widly popular worldwide.