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As first time host parents for a foreign exchange student, we attended an outdoor orientation meeting. The coordinator was poorly organized and had not planned any activities. The new students and their host families sat in awkward silence, until we introduced the bocce game that travels with us. Bocce was the perfect icebreaker and soon we found ourselves talking and laughing like old friends. What could have been a dreadful afternoon turned out to be a fun start to a year these students would never forget.

Tossing the little white ball, known as the pallino or jack, onto the playing surface starts the game of bocce. This becomes the target for players to hit, or come close to, in order to score points for their team. Starting with the player who threw the pallino, teams then take turns rolling one of their own four, same colored (typically red and green) balls towards the pallino. If a red ball were closest to the pallino, then green would throw until they land a ball closer to the target, or they run out of bocce balls to throw. The opposite would be true if green were closer. Only one team will score each round. The ball closest to the pallino dictates which team will score. For example: If red is closest at the end of play, then the red team scores one point for the closest ball. In addition to this score, one point is added for each additional red ball that is closer than the closest green ball.

Bocce balls come in a range of sizes and weights. The International standard is 107mm (4.2 inches) and weighs 920 grams (2 pounds). Our family set is made of resin and is 113mm, as we prefer the heavier weight. There is no regulation size for the pallino, but sizes between 50 and 60mm are popular in the United States. When choosing a bocce set, keep in mind the strength of the players. Balls smaller than 100mm are typically best for children.

Bocce can be played almost anywhere. A level surface is good, especially for beginners, but bumps and holes in the terrain will create more entertainment. Sticks, stones and other debris, which can cause a ball to take an unexpected turn, can add to a player's strategy. Grass lawns are my favorite, but varying your playing surface is a sure way to make each game interesting. The hard surface of an empty parking lot, for example, will allow balls to roll farther, while sand will slow them down.

The best thing about Bocce is it is simple to learn and can be enjoyed by the young and old alike. Because it is not intimidating to onlookers, most will find it easy to join in the fun.

Learn more about this author, Rhodora Fitzgerald.
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