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Petanca is a game enjoyed by thousands of people across the world. From its origins in France it has spread across the globe. The game has a wonderful simplicity about it. You can start playing as soon as you buy a set of boules and a jack. It can be played almost anywhere where there is enough space and on almost any terrain. Equally, like most beautiful games, the simplicity of it masks a complexity that soon becomes addictive.

Petanca is played as a singles game or doubles with each player using three boules. Triples is played with each player using only two boules. The object is simple: make sure your team’s boule is nearest the jack at the finish of each end; score one point for each of your team’s boule nearer than the opposition and be the first team to score thirteen points.

The game can be enjoyed at any level, from beach games between friends right up to national and international level including world championships. But at whatever level you play the enjoyment is the same.

The rules of the game are straightforward and the governing body for the rules is the ‘International Federation of Petanque and Jeu Provencal’. Rules can be downloaded from the internet by just searching for the word ‘petanque”.

The equipment required is very cheap and boules can be bought from most sports shops and large supermarkets in Spain. Prices range from around 10 euros for a set of three to well over 150 euros for competition boules. There are many ‘fun’ sets available but I would recommend purchasing a set of three boules rather than a box with only pairs of boules; you will need three to play in most games. A set of jacks, a cloth and a measure, all you need to play, can cost as little as 5-10 euros.

 The fun starts from the moment the jack is thrown. The jack needs to land between 6 and 10 metres away from the circle drawn in the ground in which each player must stand to throw. Very soon players will work out that they prefer a ‘long’, ‘medium’ or ‘short’ jack. Equally players will work out what the opposition prefers and try to play a jack to a length that suits themselves and not the other team. So the strategy and tactics begin.

Petanca is indeed a game that requires some skill, team play and an idea of how to play to your own advantage. Each boule thrown changes the game and each end has a life of its own. Most of the fun comes from choosing the right shot and seeing how it works out. It reflects life in many ways: “Is this a time to play safe and protect what we hold?” or “Is this a time to change everything, take a risk and see what happens?” As far as the French are concerned, certainly those that I have played, petanca is a game to be lived and living involves taking risks.

Xinorlet Club de Petanca has recently been formed and is based at La Pinada Hotel in Chinorlet, between Pinoso and Monovar. There are five pitches and the club meets on a Sunday between 6 and 8 in the evening. This allows anyone to come along especially those who work during the week. The club is looking for new members of whatever experience and level of play. The club is also seeking to register as a sporting club with the Valencia Government and also seeks to join the Spanish Petanca Federation. The club has both Spanish and ex-pat members.

If you already play petanca or are thinking about giving it a go then why not come along and see what is happening at the club. If you wish further information then please feel free to contact the club President, John Currie on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .