Dating all the way back to the ancient Egyptians in 5200 B.C., the game of bocce has stood the test of time and is one of the oldest yard games in history. Unlike some sports that require special playing fields, bocce can be played on any type of level surface, including gravel, clay and grass. The game can also be played one-on-one or on teams of up to four people, making it easy to start a game just about anywhere.

In fact, it is so easy to start a game that bocce ball was almost banned in Italy due to people playing it in the streets and hitting noblemen who happened to be walking past. However, it is also because of these incidents that noblemen took note of the game and quickly joined in the fun, increasing the popularity of the sport.

Each bocce game consists of a series of rounds, called “frames,” after which points are awarded. A classic coin toss determines which team goes first.

1. The first player to roll will toss a smaller ball, called the pallino, to set the target for the frame. It must fall behind the center line.

2. The same player will bowl a bocce ball, trying to toss the bocce as close to the pallino as possible.

4. The team that does not have the ball closest to the pallino will always be the one to throw. Frames will end once all balls have been thrown.

3. Next, a player from the opposing team will throw one of their bocce balls with the intent of getting closer to the pallino than their opponent. If they succeed, the ball will be considered “inside.” Otherwise, they will continue throwing all of their balls, rotating turns among players, until one is inside.

You are allowed to hit your opponent’s bocce balls or even the pallino during your turn. This can be a strategy to get closer to or to change the area of the target.

Scoring

In each frame, only one team scores. One point is awarded for each bocce ball that is closer to the pallino than the opposing team’s bocce balls. If two teams are equal in distance from the pallino, no points are awarded in the frame. It can be helpful to have a tape measure on hand for close calls.

The game continues until one team scores 12 points, or another, pre-determined number of points set by the players before the start of the game.

Bocce may seem like all fun and games, but it’s also extremely beneficial to your overall health. It engages your brain in strategic thinking to get the bocce ball to land where you want. It also encourages social interaction and some friendly competition, both of which can help reduce stress and boost your mood.

SO, THE NEXT TIME YOU’RE HOSTING A PARTY, SET UP A BOCCE BALL COURT. YOU MAY BE SURPRISED AT WHAT A POPULAR GAME IT IS!