Petanque rules: how to play and win?

In Russia there is a National Petanque Federation, although it is rather difficult to call this sport widespread. Playing it is quite interesting, especially since you can do it almost everywhere. The rules of petanque suggest the participation of two to six people, and also an inventory is needed. But there are no special requirements to the site. How to play?

History of petanque

Games with similar rules were known in ancient Rome and Greece. Somewhere in the priority was the range of throwing round stones or wooden balls, in other places accuracy was valued. After the fall of the Roman Empire the game was for a while forgotten, but returned to the Middle Ages and very quickly gained popularity. In the 16th century, it was even banned for some time, because it was believed that people should be given more useful time in life archery and fencing, developing strength and dexterity.

Despite all the obstacles, the game was not forgotten and under different names still exists in the countries of the Mediterranean and the UK. Well, in its modern form, it acquired a second birth in the French Provence as early as the beginning of the 20th century.

The secret of popularity is simple - the rules of petanque do not imply age restrictions and serious sports training. And you can play it almost anywhere - on the grass, gravel, earth, sand. On the asphalt is worse, but also possible. Inventory is also simple - up to 12 balls, as well as a target called a koshonet. If desired, the shells can be made from improvised means, for example, to collect suitable pebbles. Of course, this will not be quite a petanque, the rules of the game will not be respected, but most likely it will still be very fun. In France and Belgium it is almost a national sport, which is engaged in everything from small to large. In a word, it's no surprise that people continue to play petanque.

Rules of the game

Participants are divided into two equal teams, each of which receives the same number of balls. Then lots are cast: to whom to throw on the platform of the scrounge - a small ball, serving as a target. The throw is made from a specially outlined circle with a diameter of about half a meter.

The team that won the draw or the previous round is entitled to the first throw. Every time a projectile of one team lays closer to the koshonet than the other, a transition occurs. With the participation of 6 players, up to 12 balls are used - two for each. International rules provide no more than a minute on the course, but when playing with friends, this can be completely ignored. The goal is that after all the shots the balls of one team are closer to the koshonet than the shells of the other. This can be achieved, including by disrupting enemy positions or even moving the target.

After the end of the set, the score is calculated - measurements are taken. Players find out how far from the target is the nearest ball of one of the teams, and how many rifle shells are closer to the koshonet. The result and will be the set's score. Usually the game lasts up to a set of 13 points. In general, the rules are very similar to curling, except that the platform is not covered with ice, and the target is mobile.

Koshonet

Translated from French, this word means "piggy". Usually it is bright, as it should be clearly visible from the circle for a throw at a distance of up to 10 meters, comparatively small - only 3 centimeters in diameter, and made of wood, that is quite light.

The koshonet and the ball for the cast differ greatly in size and weight in favor of the latter. According to international rules, a scrounge can be moved during the first throw or as a result of subsequent actions of players, but only because of interaction with shells of teams. It is forbidden to manually transfer it. And if the target is outside the site, it is removed from the game.

Balls

Petank presents strict requirements to the shells that players throw during the game. First, they must be metallic, and secondly, to be in diameter from 7.04 to 8 centimeters. At the same time, their weight ranges from 650 to 800 grams. It is forbidden to wet, heat, or otherwise affect the surface of the balloon. They should not be worn, but they can be marked with logos or, for example, the initials of the player. As a rule, teams use balls of different colors to be clearly visible from the circle.

Strategies

There are 3 main methods of playing the game, which do not prohibit the rules of petanque.

1. Place your balls as close as possible to the koshonet. This is the simplest, but sometimes the most effective tactic. If the goal is this, then it is easier to achieve it in this way. You can defend your positions in various ways, for example, placing your balls behind enemy shells. But this technique can be combined with another.
2. Knock out enemy balls. This tactic requires some experience and understanding of the laws of physics. Nevertheless, this technique can be very productive if all the approaches to the target are closed.
3. Knock out the jackknife. Typically, this works only if the opponents do not have balls left, and their positions are well protected. Otherwise, such a move can result in a crushing defeat.

So, the rules of petanque are quite simple. To achieve success, you only need to gain experience and develop an eye. And there who knows? Maybe very soon this game will become an Olympic discipline?