Open Bocce Ball Rules

Bocce Ball can be played in many different formats, but according to bocceballsets.com, the open format is the most accessible and informal type to play. They also note that the rules of Bocce Ball may be tailored to fit the skills of the players involved. Open Bocce Ball should not be confused with court Bocce Ball, which is considered the more formal format of the game.

  1. Surface

    • Part of what makes the open format suitable for backyard play is that it may be played on a variety of surfaces, including sand, dirt and grass areas. The difficulty of the contest and the court space depends on where the pallino, or the target ball, is located.

    Players

    • Open Bocce is best with an even number of players, up to eight, divided into two teams (teams of one, two or four players are best). Different colored balls differentiate each side. A coin toss determines which team throws first. At that time, the foul line is also determined. Players must stand behind this line to throw.

    Starting play

    • Play begins with the tossing of the pallino by the first player for the team that won the coin flip. That same player then throws his bocce ball as close to the pallino as possible.

    Getting inside

    • The first team then steps aside so the second team can throw. The object is to get their bocce ball inside the opponent's. If they're successful, they are considered "inside." According to bocceballsets.com, once a team is considered inside, they must step aside to give their opponent (or "outside" team) the chance to get inside. This format continues until both teams have used up their bocce balls.

    Contact

    • In open bocce, a player is allowed to move the pallino or an opponent's bocce ball with their throw, according to bocceballsets.com. In addition, a player is allowed to bank shots, or use another ball to move their ball closer to the pallino. Balls may be tossed overhand, underhand, rolled on the ground or tossed through the air.

    Scoring

    • Once all of the balls have been thrown, a point is awarded to the team with the ball closest to the pallino. No points are awarded in the event of a tie. According to bocceballsets.com, open matches are usually played to 13, but can be modified to fit the skill level of the players.