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Why do I play Bocce ball? A couple reasons really. One, I'm Italian, and two, so is my family. The July picnic would not be the same without the Bocce game. Bocce is the ideal game for an informal setting like a picnic. Though traditionally it is played on a court that is rectangular and has walls as well as a gravel or asphalt surface; it can just as easily be played on an open patch of lawn. The only equipment you need are the balls. Though during a lively game, your manhood may be called into question by that uncle of your mother's that has had a few too many.

You can learn a lot about yourself and your family by playing a game or bocce. Of course, inevitably there are occasions where the point is too close to call. Then you need to bring out the measuring tools of the trade. How many "feet" and fingers is it. And is uncle Alf going toe to heel the same for the red distance as he is for the blue. When that fails there is always the belt, another precision measuring device. When even the belt can not solve the point, somebody has to have a measuring tape in the car, after all, half the family are tile-setters.

When it's all said and done the winner gets bragging rights for the year and the next beer, brought to them by the vanquished, always tastes better. And if you lose, there's always next year. That's why I play Bocce.

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