Pétanque, pronounced "pay-tonk", one of Europe's most
popular outdoor games, is a distant cousin of horseshoes and a close relative
of bocce (a.k.a. "bocce ball", lawn bowling). The game originated
in the Provence in the early 1900's. The aim is to toss, or roll a number
of steel balls as close as possible to a small wooden aim ball, called
"but" or "cochonnet" (meaning "piglet" in
French).
Players take turns, and whoever ends up closest to the aim ball (cochonnet)
when all balls are played, wins.
Unlike horseshoes, where the aim stake is fixed, petanques' aim ball
may be hit at any time, which can completely turn around the score at
the last second. And whereas the official bocce rules call for a prepared
court, with markers and sideboards, petanque can be played on most outdoor
surfaces, anytime you feel like.
No special skill is required, adults can play with
children, and a game lasts as long as you want it to. The game of petanque
is simple, relaxing, lots of fun and a perfect way to make new friends.
Last but not least, petanque can be (and usually is) played while enjoying
a cool drink (the French will go for wine or pastis) and some tasty
outdoor snacks...
Members of the UK's nude petanque team, who have
signed a sponsorship deal with
Persil washing powder, throw their boules, May 29, 2002. The team will
sport branded hats,
socks and sweatbands at two tournaments in The Netherlands later this
year.
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