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Bocce ball is a time-honored game; the roots of which go back to the Roman Empire. It is a simple and enjoyable game that anyone can play. The game is typically played on a court, the length of which can vary but should be around 25 meters (82 feet) long and 3 meters (10 feet) wide. At each end of the court is a zone about 5 meters in diameter, more on that in a moment. The equipment required is a set of 9 bocce balls which includes 4 of one color, 4 of another color and 1 smaller ball which is traditionally white.

Rules of play:

- Two teams are established. The game can be played by 2, 4, or 8 people.
- One team is chosen randomly to throw the white ball (aka the Jack, or Pallino), down the court into the 5 meter zone.
- Should they fail to hit the zone after 2 tries, the other team is allowed to place the ball anywhere in the zone that they choose.
- Play commences with the team that placed the jack. Call them team "A".
- A bowler from team "A" takes a turn.
- A bowler from team "B" takes a turn.
- The next shot is taken by the team that is not closest.
- Play continues with the team that is not closest to the jack shooting until they are either closer or out of balls.
- When all shots are taken, the team which is closest gets 1 point for each ball they have that is closer to the jack than the opposing team's closest ball. For example if team "A" has 3 balls closer to the jack than team B's closest ball, they are awarded three points for the round.
- A maximum of 4 points can be awarded in each end.
- Play continues until one team reaches 11, 15, or 21 points. Establish a winning score before you begin.
- Various strategies exist during play. Including aiming to knock out opponent's balls, aiming to knock your team further in, aiming for the jack to reposition it. All are acceptable.
- The ball can be rolled, hurled or tossed in a high arc. Generally only underhand throws are acceptable.
- Any ball that leaves the court is out of play for that end. Should the jack be bounced out of the court the end is nullified and you start a new end.
- Informal games can be played without a traditional court such as a backyard picnic, but competitions are always played in a regulation court.

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