If you love the game of pétanque, but have found that there is nothing happening (yet) in Philadelphia, this group is for you !  If you don't know about pétanque, come join us and learn about this magnificent game !

Pronounced 'pay-tonk', the game originated in the south of France in the early 1900s.  Related to bocce, horshoes and lawn bowling, the basic objective is to toss (or roll) a number of palm-sized metal balls (boules) as close as possible to a small wooden target ball (le cochonnet).  Players on both teams take turns and the team that ends up closest to the target ball after all the metal balls have been played, wins.

EASY TO LEARN !

One can begin to play immediately - the rules are  simple and there are no special skills required.

OPEN TO EVERYONE !

Men and women, children and seniors, fit and not-so-fit - almost anyone can enjoy and succeed playing pétanque.  Strategy (good decision-making) and technique (accurate throwing), not brute strength, wins the day.

VERY SOCIAL !

The game is generally played in teams of 2 or 3.  It is a particularly good game for couples to play together.  It naturally brings people together and one tends to make new friends & acquaintances in the process.

LOTS OF FUN !

People who try pétanque tend to really like it.  It can be played in a leisurely way (and most often is) but can also be approached more competitively, with an eye to the strategic richness of the game.