Anyone For Pétanque?

Created: Sunday, 14 August 2016 Written by Super User

Pétanque is a form of boules where the goal is to toss or roll hollow steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet (literally "piglet") or jack, while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground. The game is normally played on hard dirt or gravel and can be found in most villages no matter how small. It can be played in public areas in parks, or in dedicated facilities called boulodromes.


Pétanque is extremely simple, just like horseshoes. There's a target, and you have to get as close to it as possible.
The current form of the game originated in 1907 or 1910 in La Ciotat, in Provence, France. The French name pétanque (borrowed into English, with or without the acute accent) comes from petanca in the Provençal dialect of the Occitan language, deriving from the expression pès tancats meaning 'feet fixed' or 'feet planted'.


What makes it so appealing, is that you can be way ahead for a while, yet lose a second later, or vice versa. Because nothing is decided until the last player plays the very last boule. If he or she moves the target ball or knocks an opponent ball out of the way, the layout of the boules - and thus your score - may change dramatically.
Anybody can play. Age, strength or speed are not important. Advanced players against beginners. There is always a bit of luck involved, especially on a bumpy terrain, so neither the beginner, nor the "pro" will get frustrated

 

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