How To Play Bocce Ball: Rules and Variations

Bocce Ball, a game with roots dating back to the ancient Roman Empire, continues to be a popular pastime. This simple yet strategic game is perfect for family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, or a relaxed afternoon in your backyard.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basic rules of Bocce Ball, things you need like a nice bocce ball set, and introduce you to some exciting game variations.

Table of Contents

The Essentials of Bocce Ball

Before we delve into the rules, let’s take a moment to consider what you’ll need to play Bocce Ball. A standard bocce ball set consists of eight larger balls, with four balls in each of two distinct colors. Additionally, there is a smaller ball called the ‘pallino’ or ‘jack.’ You can easily acquire a bocce ball set online or from your local sports store.

Setting up the Bocce Court

A traditional Bocce court measures 60 feet in length and 12 feet in width. However, if you need more space, adjust the dimensions to suit your available area. A flat, open space with clear boundaries will do just fine.

The Gameplay: Tossing, Turning, and Scoring

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s delve into the gameplay.

1: Initiating the Game: Tossing the Pallino

The game begins as a player from the starting team tosses the pallino into the playing area. Following this, the same player aims and throws one of their team’s bocce balls to land it near the pallino.

2: Taking Turns

After the initial throw, teams alternate turns, each throwing one ball at a time. The primary objective is getting your team’s balls closer to the pallino than the opposing team’s.

3: Counting the Points: Scoring

Scoring occurs once all balls are thrown, and the round, or ‘frame,’ concludes that only one team scores in each frame. A team earns a point for each ball closer to the pallino than the opposing team’s closest ball.

If a team lands their bocce ball right against the pallino, known as a ‘bocce,’ they earn two points. The game continues until one team reaches the predetermined point limit, usually 12 or 15.

Mixing It Up: Variations of Bocce Ball

Once you’ve mastered the basic rules, why not spice things up with some game variations?

1: Volo Shooting

Volo shooting adds an extra layer of strategy and skill to the game. In this variation, you must throw the bocce ball in the air to hit an opponent’s ball or the pallino.

2: Progressive Bocce

In Progressive Bocce, teams aren’t fixed. Instead, players rotate after each frame, allowing everyone to play with different partners. It can be fun to mix things up, especially at larger gatherings.

3: Bocce Golf

Bocce Golf combines elements of both bocce and golf. Players take turns throwing their balls, attempting to get them through a series of ‘holes’ (usually marked by cones) in as few throws as possible. Like in golf, the player with the lowest score at the end of the course wins.