by Jaimela King

Created on: March 26, 2008   Last Updated: April 15, 2008

Get your friends or family together for a game of Bocce Ball or Lawn Bowling. You will need at least two players or teams. Bocce is an exciting game of strategy and the rules are fairly simple. You can choose to play in your own back yard or on any other level surface of your choosing.

To begin the game, each team or player will have an equal number of balls. You will have eight balls and one smaller ball called the pallino. Choose a person or team to throw the Pallino to about 10 to 15 feet toward the end of the playing surface. The person or team that throws the pallino gets to play first, then it is the other side's turn to throw the ball.

The bocce ball is rolled or thrown towards the pallino. The object is to get the ball as close as possible to the pallino. If one side has their ball close to the pallino, the other side has to throw until their ball is closer. There is one point awarded for each ball closer to the pallino than the opponents ball. A player can also displace an opponent's ball or the pallino with his ball.

There are twelve points that can be awarded for each game. This , however, can vary. You can then start a new game with a new player or team throwing the pallino and the first bocce ball.

There is no age limit or aptitude required to start playing bocce ball. Yes it is a game of strategy which calls on your ability to use your good judgment which we all have. More importantly, it is a fun, relaxing game That you can play with friends and family in your own back yard.

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