A
Say it: ah-SYAY
Equipment
The steel all quality boules are made from. Two types: stainless (inoxydable) and carbon (carbone).
All competition-grade boules are made from steel. Acier inoxydable (stainless steel) does not rust, looks clean and costs more. Acier carbone (carbon steel) is the traditional choice, slightly rawer on impact and needs drying after wet games to prevent surface rust. Recreational sets use lower-grade alloys.
IN USE
“Are yours stainless?” “Carbone. I like how they feel. I just dry them after rainy games.”
SEE ALSOBouleDuretéStriesObut
Say it: ah-LAY
CultureGameplay
The universal shout of encouragement. Shouted when a boule is heading somewhere good.
“Go!” or “Come on!” The most common exclamation on any terrain. It costs nothing to say and earns goodwill immediately. You will hear it from every direction as soon as a throw looks promising.
IN USE
The tireur releases a flat shot aimed at the opponent’s boule. Before it lands, six people shout “Allez!” simultaneously.
SEE ALSOTerrainCarreauTirer
Say it: ah-por-TAY
TechniqueGameplay
To bring closer. Improving your score position with a single boule.
To “bring” or improve the team’s scoring position, usually through a well-placed point that adds another scoring boule. When a captain says “apporte,” they want a teammate to deliver a boule that will count for an additional point at the end of the mène.
IN USE
“Apporte-nous un deuxième!” The captain calls for a second scoring boule, hoping the pointer can sneak one past the defensive screen.
SEE ALSOPointerScoringMène
Say it: ar-BEETR
Competition
The official referee in sanctioned competition. Has authority to resolve disputes and enforce FIPJP rules.
In formal tournament play, an arbitre oversees matches and makes binding rulings on disputes. They interpret the official rulebook, verify measurements when players disagree and issue warnings or disqualifications for rule violations. In casual club play, there are no arbitres; players settle disputes between themselves.
IN USE
A player claims the cochonnet was knocked out of bounds. The arbitre examines the evidence and makes the final call.
SEE ALSOFIPJPMesurerMène
Say it: ah-vahn-TAHJ
Gameplay
Having more boules left to throw than the opposing team. A tactical advantage.
When your team has more unplayed boules remaining than your opponents, you have the avantage. This matters because it means you get more chances to improve your position after the other team runs out. Skilled captains track the avantage constantly and adjust strategy accordingly.
IN USE
With four boules left against the opponent’s two, the captain decided to play conservatively. The avantage meant they could afford to wait and respond.
SEE ALSOMèneTenir le pointScoring
B
Say it: bee-broh(n)
TechniqueGameplay
When your thrown boule ends up kissing the cochonnet. Literally means “baby bottle.”
A biberon happens when a thrown boule comes to rest touching the cochonnet directly. The name “baby bottle” is a playful reference to how the boule seems to “nurse” the jack. Making a biberon is a remarkable point. The boule cannot be closer than zero distance, so it is the theoretical best possible placement. Also called “faire le bec” or “embouchonner” in some regions.
IN USE
The pointer released a perfect demi-portée. It rolled, slowed and stopped dead against the cochonnet. “Biberon!” the whole team erupted.
SEE ALSOCochonnetPointerEmbouchonnerPointeur
Say it: bom-bar-DYAY
RolesCulture
A shooter in top form. A compliment for someone who can’t seem to miss.
An informal term for a tireur who is having an extraordinary day, hitting almost every shot. When someone is in “bombardier” mode, the opposing team starts to feel the pressure. Also called “canonnier” (gunner). The label works as a social acknowledgment of an unstoppable shooter rather than an official role.
IN USE
After his sixth straight successful shot, someone called out: “On a un bombardier aujourd’hui!” The opposing team changed their entire strategy.
SEE ALSOTireurTirerCarreau
Say it: boo-SHON
Gameplay
A casual French name for the cochonnet. Literally means “cork.”
One of several informal names for the cochonnet (the small wooden target ball). More common in France than in North America, where “jack” or “cochonnet” are the preferred terms.
IN USE
“Tire sur le bouchon!” A player urging their tireur to move the cochonnet to a better position.
SEE ALSOCochonnetButJack
Say it: BOOL
EquipmentGameplay
The hollow steel ball at the center of everything. Without this, there is no game.
The metal ball each player throws. Official boules are hollow steel, 70.5 to 80 mm in diameter and weigh 650 to 800 grams. Three boules per player is standard in singles and doubles; two per player in triples. Boules come in stainless or carbon steel, with different striations, diameters and hardness ratings for different playing styles.
IN USE
“I got a new set last week, 72mm, 700 grams, stainless. Still learning how they land compared to my old carbon set.”
SEE ALSOCochonnetDuretéStriesAcierÉtui
Say it: bool kloo-TAY
EquipmentCulture
The old-style nailed boules made from boxwood cores studded with iron nails.
Before modern steel boules existed, players used wooden balls covered in hand-hammered iron nails (clous). Boules cloutées were the standard from the 18th century through the mid-20th century. Jean Blanc invented the all-metal boule in 1927, and boules cloutées were gradually phased out. Original sets are now collector’s items displayed in clubs and museums across Provence.
IN USE
Above the bar at the club, a pair of antique boules cloutées hung in a frame. The nail heads had worn smooth from decades of use before retirement.
SEE ALSOBouleAcierObut
Say it: BOO-lo-drome
Courts
A dedicated facility with multiple pétanque courts.
A facility built specifically for pétanque, typically featuring multiple parallel pistes (courts). Boulodromes range from simple gravel areas under trees to large covered facilities with lighting for night play. In France, most towns have a public boulodrome. In North America, dedicated boulodromes exist but remain rare.
IN USE
The club meets at the municipal boulodrome. Eight pistes run in parallel; Saturday afternoon, all are occupied.
SEE ALSOPisteTerrain
Say it: brah DOR
Culture
“Golden arm.” A compliment given to someone with an exceptional throwing technique.
A term of admiration for a player whose throwing arm produces consistent, accurate results. Having a bras d’or is the highest informal compliment in pétanque. The compliment refers to overall throwing quality rather than pointing or shooting specifically.
IN USE
She placed nine consecutive boules within ten centimeters of the cochonnet. “Bras d’or,” murmured the club president from the sideline.
SEE ALSOPointerTirerCoup de main
Say it: BYOOT
Gameplay
The official French term for the cochonnet in FIPJP rule documents. Means “goal” or “target.”
“But” (goal/target) is used in official FIPJP rulebooks and competition commentary interchangeably with cochonnet. In spoken French, cochonnet is far more common in casual play.
IN USE
“Le but est valide” The referee confirms the jack was thrown correctly and the round can begin.
SEE ALSOCochonnetBouchonJackMène
C
Say it: ka-DRAJ
Technique
The pre-throw alignment process, framing the shot mentally before releasing.
The moment before a throw where a player aligns their gaze, posture and arm with the target. Skilled tireurs take a few seconds in cadrage, studying the target boule, visualizing the trajectory, settling into the throwing motion. Rushing the cadrage is one of the most common errors under competitive pressure.
IN USE
The tireur steps into the circle, crouches slightly and holds still for three seconds, eyes locked on the opponent’s boule.
SEE ALSOTirerTireurPlombéeTir au fer
Say it: ka-ROH
TechniqueGameplay
The perfect shot: your boule hits the opponent’s and takes its exact place.
A carreau happens when a shooter’s boule strikes an opponent’s boule and comes to rest in (or very near) the spot where the displaced boule was sitting. You remove the threat and claim the position in a single throw. True carreaux require backspin to stop the incoming boule on contact. It is difficult to execute consistently and always acknowledged when it happens.
IN USE
“Carreau!” Called out across the terrain as the shooter’s boule sends the opponent’s flying and stops dead in the same divot. Both teams applaud.
SEE ALSOTirerTireurTir au ferPlombée
Say it: kas-KET
Technique
When the shooting boule clips the top of the target and bounces away. A glancing miss.
“Cap” or “hat.” A casquette occurs when the shooting boule strikes the top of the target boule rather than its center mass. The shooter’s boule deflects upward and away while the target boule barely moves. It is a frustrating near-miss that looks close but achieves nothing. Avoiding casquettes requires a flatter, more direct trajectory (tir au fer).
IN USE
The tireur’s boule clipped the top of the target and sailed three meters past. “Casquette!” someone groaned. The target boule sat unmoved.
SEE ALSOTir au ferTirerTireur
Say it: SAIR-kl
Gameplay
The throwing circle. Both feet must remain inside until your boule hits the ground.
A circle drawn or placed on the ground, 35 to 50 cm in diameter, from which every throw is made. Both feet must stay inside and remain in contact with the ground until the thrown boule lands. After each round, the winning team draws a new cercle around where the cochonnet came to rest.
IN USE
A player’s back foot drifts outside during the throwing motion, technically a pied dehors violation.
SEE ALSOPied dehorsMèneTerrain
Say it: see-ZOH
Technique
“Scissors.” Knocking out two opponent boules with a single shot.
A ciseaux (scissors) occurs when a single shot displaces two opponent boules that were sitting close together. The shooting boule strikes one target and the deflection sends it into the second. The shot resists reliable planning, but when the geometry aligns, an experienced tireur will recognize the opportunity and go for it.
IN USE
Two opponent boules sat side-by-side, both scoring. The tireur hit the first one flush; it caromed into the second. Both flew off. “Ciseaux!” Pure joy.
SEE ALSOTirerTireurCarreau
Say it: ko-sho-NAY
GameplayEquipment
The small wooden target ball. Everything revolves around it. Literally translates to “piglet.”
The small wooden target ball toward which all boules are thrown. Official cochonnets are 30 to 35 mm in diameter, made from boxwood or synthetic material and usually painted yellow or orange for visibility. The cochonnet is thrown at the start of each mène. It must land 6 to 10 meters from the throwing circle and be clearly visible.
IN USE
After three careful rounds, the shooter fires not at any boule but at the cochonnet itself, sending it 7 meters away and completely changing the game state.
SEE ALSOButBouchonJackMèneVirer le cochonnet
Say it: KONTR
Gameplay
When your shooting boule rebounds into a bad position, making things worse.
“Against.” A contre happens when your shot hits the target but your boule or the displaced target ends up in a position that helps the opposing team. A classic contre: you shoot an opponent’s boule, it flies away, but your shooting boule rolls forward and pushes the cochonnet closer to another opponent’s boule. The net result is worse than if you had not shot at all.
IN USE
The shot hit cleanly, but the tireur’s boule ricocheted straight into the cochonnet, pushing it two meters toward the opponent’s cluster. A devastating contre.
SEE ALSOTirerTireurCochonnet
Say it: koo-LWAHR
TechniqueGameplay
The corridor or lane between obstacles that a boule must travel through.
A couloir is the gap or corridor through which a boule must travel to reach the cochonnet or a target. When opponent boules or terrain features create narrow openings, players talk about “finding the couloir.” Skilled pointers can thread their boule through remarkably tight corridors.
IN USE
Three boules created a narrow corridor barely wide enough for a boule to pass through. The pointer studied the couloir, then threaded her shot straight through.
SEE ALSOPointerDonnéeTerrain
Say it: koo duh MAN
Technique
A player’s personal throwing style, the particular way they release the boule.
Literally “way of the hand.” Every player develops a personal coup de main over time: the angle of the wrist at release, the amount of backspin imparted, the height of the arm swing. Two players using the same boules on the same terrain will produce different results because of their coup de main. Coaches study it to identify what to adjust.
IN USE
His coup de main was immediately recognizable: a high backswing, a smooth pendulum and a sharp snap at release that put heavy backspin on every throw.
SEE ALSOPointerTirerCadrage
D
Say it: day-FAHN-druh
TechniqueGameplay
To place a boule defensively, protecting your scoring position rather than trying to get closer.
To defend is to place a boule not to gain proximity to the cochonnet, but to block or screen your closest boule from the opponent’s approach. A well-placed defensive boule sits between the opponent’s likely angle and your scoring boule, forcing them into a harder shot.
IN USE
Your team has the closest boule. Instead of trying to place another nearby, you point one slightly behind the jack, blocking the exact angle your opponent would use.
SEE ALSOPointerPointeurTenir le point
Say it: day-mar-KAY
GameplayTechnique
To knock out the holding point. Removing the opponent’s closest boule.
To “unmark” or remove the opponent’s scoring boule. When the opposing team holds le point with a well-placed boule, a successful démarquer shot removes that boule and shifts the advantage. It can be done through shooting (tirer) or through a well-aimed point that displaces the target.
IN USE
The opponent held le point with a boule sitting four centimeters from the jack. One clean shot démarqué that boule, and the entire mène shifted.
SEE ALSOTirerTenir le pointLe point
Say it: duh-mee por-TAY
Technique
A medium-arc throw that lands halfway between the circle and the jack, then rolls the rest.
One of the three classic pointing trajectories, sitting between the roulette (low roll) and plombée (high lob). The demi-portée lands roughly midway to the target and rolls the remaining distance. It is the most versatile pointing technique and the default throw for most intermediate players.
IN USE
The terrain slopes gently toward the jack. The player uses a demi-portée, landing on the flat section and letting the downhill roll carry the boule to within 8 centimeters.
SEE ALSOPointerRoulettePlombéeDonnéeTerrain
Say it: deh-RYAIR
Gameplay
“Behind.” A boule that rolled past the cochonnet.
A boule that overshoots the cochonnet and comes to rest on the far side. A derrière is usually a less useful position than a devant (short boule). The exception is using a derrière boule as a defensive backstop.
IN USE
“C’est derrière.” The boule rolled a meter beyond the target.
SEE ALSODevantCochonnetPointer
Say it: duh-VAHN
Gameplay
“In front.” A boule that landed between the circle and the cochonnet.
A boule that lands short of the cochonnet. Being devant is not always bad. A boule in front can deflect other boules, serve as a blocking screen or create an obstacle for the opponent’s shooters. Experienced players sometimes deliberately aim devant for tactical reasons.
IN USE
“Tu es devant.” A teammate informing the pointer that the boule landed before the cochonnet rather than beside it.
SEE ALSODerrièreCochonnetPointerDéfendre
Say it: don-AY
Technique
The exact spot where a boule first touches the ground. Skilled pointers aim at their donnée rather than at the cochonnet.
The landing point of a thrown boule. Expert pointers do not aim at the cochonnet; they aim at their donnée, knowing that the boule will roll from that spot to the target. Choosing the right donnée for the terrain conditions is the core skill of pointing.
IN USE
The player scuffs the dirt three meters in front of the jack with her foot. “Right there,” she thinks. That is her donnée.
SEE ALSOPointerRouletteDemi-portéePlombéeTerrain
Say it: doo-BLET
Formats
Doubles format: 2 players per team, 3 boules each, 6 total per side.
A two-player team. Each player holds three boules, giving the team six throws per mène. It is the most commonly played format at North American clubs. Teams often divide into a pointeur (who places boules near the jack) and a tireur (who shoots opponents’ boules away).
IN USE
Four friends at the park form two doublettes, two players per side, six boules each, first to 13.
SEE ALSOTripletteTête-à-têtePointeurTireurMilieu
Say it: dyoor-TAY / tahn-druh-TAY
Equipment
The hardness rating of a competition boule, from 0 (softest) to 9 (hardest).
Competition boules carry a hardness (dureté) or softness (tendreté) rating on a 0 to 9 scale. Softer boules (0 to 3) grip the terrain on impact, preferred for pointeurs. Harder boules (6 to 9) deflect cleanly, preferred for tireurs who want a clean carreau.
IN USE
The tireur uses a hardness 7 set. On impact, his boule skips cleanly off the target rather than absorbing the hit.
SEE ALSOBouleStriesAcierTireurPointeur
E
Say it: ahm-boo-sho-NAY
Technique
To place a boule directly against the cochonnet. Same result as a biberon.
To “stopper” against the jack, placing the boule in direct contact with the cochonnet. Embouchonner is the verb form; the result is called a biberon. It represents the closest possible point and is one of the most celebrated individual throws in a game.
IN USE
The pointer crouched, sighted the jack and released. The boule rolled to a perfect stop against the cochonnet. Embouchonné.
SEE ALSOBiberonCochonnetPointerPointeur
Say it: ETR ah PWAHL
GameplayCulture
“Being naked.” Having no more boules left to throw.
An informal expression meaning a player or team has used all their boules. Once you are “à poil,” you can only watch and hope your existing boules hold their positions. The term adds humor to a tense situation.
IN USE
“On est à poil!” The captain announced with a laugh. All six boules were on the terrain. Now they could only watch the opponent throw.
SEE ALSOMèneAvantageScoring
Say it: ay-TWEE / port-BOOL
Equipment
The carrying case or bag for transporting and storing your boules.
The case in which players carry and protect their boules. Entry-level sets come with basic nylon cases. Serious players often use padded leather étuis or custom pouches. A quality étui protects the boules from scratching each other and keeps them dry.
IN USE
She arrived at the club with a hand-stitched leather étui stamped with her initials.
SEE ALSOBouleMagnéto
F
Say it: fair la PYESS
Gameplay
Drawing lots (coin toss) to decide which team throws first.
The ritual at the start of a game where teams determine who goes first. Traditionally done with a coin flip, though some clubs use other methods. The winning team chooses where to place the throwing circle and throws the cochonnet. In casual play, the team that arrives first or the hosting team often gets the choice.
IN USE
Before the match, the two captains faced off for the coin toss. “Pile ou face?” Heads won, and they chose the shaded end of the terrain.
SEE ALSOCercleCochonnetMène
Say it: fair luh BEK
Technique
“To make the beak.” Gently knocking your own boule closer to the jack.
To intentionally target one of your own boules already on the terrain and nudge it closer to the cochonnet. Rather than placing a new boule near the jack, you improve an existing one’s position through a controlled bump. It requires a delicate touch: too hard and you send your own boule flying past.
IN USE
Rather than risk a new point around the defensive cluster, the player chose to faire le bec, gently tapping her own boule two centimeters closer to the jack.
SEE ALSOPointerCochonnetDonnée
Say it: FA-nee
CultureGameplay
The worst defeat in pétanque: losing 13 to 0. Tradition demands a ritual humiliation that varies from club to club.
A fanny is a complete shutout: a team loses 13 to 0 without scoring a single point. The name comes from a legend about Fanny, a young woman at a café near a boules court in La Tour-du-Pin, France. Many clubs still keep a Fanny image or figurine and enforce the ritual good-humoredly.
IN USE
The veteran team won 13 to 0. The losing side accepted their fate, lined up and kissed the wooden Fanny plaque above the bar.
SEE ALSOMèneScoring
Say it: F-I-P-J-P
Competition
The Fédération Internationale de Pétanque et Jeu Provençal, the world governing body.
Headquartered in Marseille, France, FIPJP sets the official rules of pétanque, organizes the World Championships and accredits national federations. Founded in 1958, it now includes member federations from over 100 countries.
IN USE
FIPJP rules specify that the cochonnet must be thrown between 6 and 10 meters from the throwing circle.
SEE ALSOFPUSAPétanque CanadaArbitre
Say it: F-P-U-S-A
Competition
Fédération de Pétanque USA, the national governing body for pétanque in the United States.
The US member federation of FIPJP. FPUSA organizes national championships, certifies clubs and referees, selects the US team for World Championship competition and maintains the official club registry.
IN USE
The regional FPUSA qualifier drew 80 teams from five states. First place earned a slot at the national championship.
SEE ALSOFIPJPPétanque CanadaArbitre
G
Say it: gan-YAN
Gameplay
The winning team, the first to reach 13 points.
“Gagnant” means “winner.” The first team to reach 13 points across as many mènes as it takes is the gagnant. There is no overtime, sudden death or tie-breaker in standard pétanque.
IN USE
“On est gagnants!” Shouted after the final point is scored and confirmed.
SEE ALSOScoringFannyMène
Say it: ga-LET
Technique
An extreme low throw that barely leaves the ground, a skimming shot for smooth, hard terrain.
A galette is a roulette taken to its extreme. The boule barely rises from the ground and skims along the surface like a flat stone. It works on very hard, smooth terrain where a lofted throw would bounce uncontrollably.
IN USE
On the baked clay court at noon, the normal roulette skips past the jack every time. The veteran switches to a galette.
SEE ALSORouletteDemi-portéePointerTerrain
Say it: jhahn-DARM
Gameplay
“Policeman.” A boule sitting right next to an opponent’s boule that’s near the jack.
When one boule is positioned directly beside an opponent’s boule (which itself is near the cochonnet), it looks like a policeman standing watch. The gendarme complicates shooting: hitting the scoring boule without also hitting the gendarme is very difficult. Some players place gendarmes deliberately as a form of defense.
IN USE
The opponent’s boule sat three centimeters from the jack. The pointer placed hers right beside it, creating a gendarme. “Good luck shooting that,” she smiled.
SEE ALSODéfendreTirerCochonnet
Say it: gra-TOH(N)
Courts
A stone or bump on the terrain that deflects an otherwise well-thrown boule.
A gratton is any small obstacle on the playing surface, a pebble, root or ridge, that redirects a boule off its intended path. Players scan for grattons before throwing and adjust their donnée accordingly. On rough terrain, grattons are everywhere; on well-maintained boulodromes, they are rare.
IN USE
The roulette was tracking perfectly toward the jack until it hit a gratton at the two-meter mark and veered left. “Gratton!” the player shrugged.
SEE ALSOTerrainDonnéePiste
H
Say it: OHT (tee-RAY ahn)
Technique
Shooting with a high arc. A lob shot aimed at displacing a target boule.
Shooting in a high arc rather than the standard flat tir au fer. The boule is lobbed so it drops steeply onto the target. Used when a gendarme or other obstacle prevents a flat approach, or when the terrain surface is too rough for a rolling shot. More difficult to control than a flat shot.
IN USE
A defensive boule blocked the flat shooting angle. The tireur switched to tirer en haute, lobbing over the obstacle and landing directly on the target.
SEE ALSOTir au ferTirerPlombée
J
Say it: JACK
GameplayEquipment
The English name for the cochonnet, the small wooden target ball.
The English-language term for the cochonnet, borrowed from bocce terminology. Used widely across North America. Both “jack” and “cochonnet” are perfectly understood in any pétanque context.
IN USE
“Throw the jack out to about 8 meters and we’ll start.”
SEE ALSOCochonnetButBouchon
Say it: jhuh duh BOOL
Culture
The umbrella term for all French ball-throwing games. Pétanque is one form.
“Ball game.” The collective name for all French boules traditions. Pétanque is the most widely played form. Others include jeu provençal, lyonnaise and boule de fort.
IN USE
“Do you play jeu de boules?” “Yes, pétanque specifically. We play Thursday evenings at the park.”
SEE ALSOPétanqueJeu Provençal
Say it: jhuh pro-vahn-SAL
Culture
The older cousin of pétanque. Players take three running steps before throwing.
The game from which pétanque evolved. In jeu provençal, players take up to three steps before releasing the boule. Courts run 15 to 21 meters. Pétanque was invented in 1907 specifically because a player with rheumatism could no longer manage the running approach.
IN USE
A visitor from Lyon watches a pétanque game: “No approach? No run-up? Just standing still?”
SEE ALSOPétanqueJeu de boulesPieds tanqués
L
Say it: lahn-SAY
Technique
To throw. The general French verb for the act of releasing a boule.
The most basic word for throwing a boule. “Lancer” is the generic verb; pointer and tirer are the specific types. In casual conversation, a player might say “lance ta boule” rather than specifying pointer or tirer, especially when the right choice is obvious from context.
IN USE
“Lance!” The simplest instruction on the terrain. The boule left the hand.
SEE ALSOPointerTirerCadrage
Say it: luh puh-TEE
Gameplay
“The little one.” Yet another informal name for the cochonnet.
One of several casual French names for the cochonnet, alongside bouchon, but and others. “Le petit” (the little one) is affectionate and widely used in southern France. Some players also say “le petit ministre” (the little minister) as a humorous variant.
IN USE
“Lance le petit!” a teammate called. “Throw the little one about seven meters, toward the shade.”
SEE ALSOCochonnetButBouchonJack
Say it: luh-VAY
Competition
A single-elimination tournament format. One loss ends your run.
A competition format where teams are eliminated after one loss. Most regional and national pétanque tournaments use a levée or a double-elimination variant.
IN USE
The Saturday levée drew 32 teams. By afternoon, sixteen had been eliminated. By evening, two remained for the final.
SEE ALSOFIPJPFPUSADoubletteTriplette
M
Say it: man-YAY-toh
Equipment
A magnetic retriever on a cord. Picks up boules from the terrain without bending down.
A small magnet on a retractable cord used to retrieve boules without bending over. Indispensable for players with back problems and useful for anyone who wants to keep their boules clean when picking them up.
IN USE
The 70-year-old played three hours without bending once, the magnéto retrieving every boule.
SEE ALSOÉtuiBouleTerrain
Say it: mar-KAY
Gameplay
To mark. Placing a physical marker behind a boule or cochonnet in case it moves.
Before shooting or when a measurement may be needed, players mark the positions of boules and the cochonnet using small objects (chalk marks, twigs or coins). If a boule is accidentally displaced during measurement or play, the mark lets you restore it to the correct position. In competition, the arbitre may require marking before any contested action.
IN USE
Before attempting the shot, the pointer marked the cochonnet’s position with a small chalk X on the ground. If it got knocked, they could restore it.
SEE ALSOMesurerArbitreCochonnet
Say it: MEN
Gameplay
One complete round of play, from throwing the jack to counting points.
A mène is a single round: the cochonnet is thrown, all boules from both teams are played and points are awarded. A full game is a series of mènes until one team reaches 13 points. There is no fixed number of mènes.
IN USE
After eight mènes the score was 9 to 7. The trailing team threw the jack into a difficult corner.
SEE ALSOCercleCochonnetScoringTenir le point
Say it: MEN rwah-YAL
GameplayCompetition
A “royal round” where one team wins all six possible points through shooting alone.
An extremely rare event in triplette play where one team scores the maximum six points in a single mène entirely through shooting. No pointing is needed because shooting displaces every opposing boule. A mène royale requires near-perfect marksmanship from the entire team and is considered one of the most impressive collective achievements in the sport.
IN USE
In the semifinal, the team scored all six points without a single placement throw. A mène royale. The crowd stood and applauded for thirty seconds.
SEE ALSOMèneScoringTirerTriplette
Say it: meh-zyoo-RAY
Gameplay
To measure, settling a disputed distance between boule and jack with a tape measure.
When two boules appear equidistant from the cochonnet and the difference cannot be seen clearly, players measure using a mètre (measuring tape). The measurement runs from the nearest point of each boule to the nearest point of the cochonnet.
IN USE
“On mesure?” Both players peer at two boules that look identical in distance. One pulls out the tape.
SEE ALSOMètreNulArbitreMène
Say it: MET-ruh
Equipment
The measuring tape used to settle distance disputes.
The tape measure used to determine which boule is closest to the cochonnet when the naked eye cannot tell. Competition mètres are usually metal spring tapes of 1.5 to 2 meters.
IN USE
Two boules lay side to side. The mètre confirmed a 3mm difference.
SEE ALSOMesurerNulBouleCochonnet
Say it: mee-LYUH
Roles
The versatile “middle player” in a triplette, equal parts pointer and shooter.
In a three-player team (triplette), the milieu adapts to whatever the game requires. When the team needs a close boule, the milieu points. When a threat must be removed, the milieu shoots. Milieu players often become team captains at higher levels.
IN USE
Down one point with two boules remaining, the milieu studied the terrain, then chose to point rather than shoot.
SEE ALSOPointeurTireurTriplette
N
Say it: NYOOL
Gameplay
A tie round: both teams’ nearest boules are exactly equidistant from the jack.
A nul occurs when measurements confirm that the nearest boules of both teams are exactly the same distance from the cochonnet. No points are awarded and the team that threw the jack throws it again for the next mène. A true nul is extremely rare.
IN USE
Three separate measurements all returned identical results. The arbitre called for a precision gauge.
SEE ALSOMesurerMètreMèneArbitre
O
Say it: oh-BYOO
Equipment
The most recognized pétanque boule manufacturer in the world, made in France since 1955.
Obut is based in Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, Loire, and is the most widely distributed boule brand globally. Popular models include the Match IT, Match Plus, T7 and Loisir. Obut supplies many major competitions.
IN USE
“What are you playing with?” “Obut Match IT, 73mm, 680 grams, soft. Same set for the last three years.”
SEE ALSOBouleAcierDuretéStries
P
Say it: pas-TEES
Culture
The anise liqueur of Provence, inseparable from pétanque’s social culture.
An anise-flavored liqueur (typically Ricard or Pernod) diluted with cold water, turning a cloudy gold. It is the unofficial drink of southern France and of pétanque. You do not need to drink pastis to enjoy pétanque, but knowing its connection to the game helps explain why pétanque was never designed to be rushed.
IN USE
The game finished just as the bar opened. Both teams pulled chairs together, ordered pastis and replayed every critical throw.
SEE ALSOTerrainFanny
Say it: pay-TONK
CultureGameplay
The game itself. From the Provençal “pès tancats,” feet planted together. Invented in La Ciotat, 1907.
Pétanque was codified in La Ciotat, Provence, in 1907. Jules Lenoir, who had rheumatism, played the first recognized game with his friend Ernest Pitiot, throwing from a stationary position. The name derives from “pès tancats” (feet planted). FIPJP estimates over 17 million players in France and millions more across 100+ countries.
IN USE
Pétanque arrived in North America with French immigrants in the early 20th century.
SEE ALSOJeu de boulesJeu ProvençalPieds tanquésFIPJP
Competition
The national governing body for pétanque in Canada, FIPJP member federation.
The Canadian member federation of FIPJP. Pétanque Canada organizes national championships, works to grow club networks particularly in Quebec and British Columbia and selects the national team for international competition.
IN USE
The Pétanque Canada national championship rotates host cities each year, drawing clubs from coast to coast.
SEE ALSOFIPJPFPUSA
Say it: pyay duh-OR
Gameplay
A foot fault: stepping outside the throwing circle before your boule hits the ground.
“Foot outside.” The violation that occurs when a player’s foot crosses the throwing circle before the boule lands. In casual play, rarely called. In sanctioned competition, the thrown boule is voided and removed.
IN USE
Under championship pressure, the tireur gets called for pied dehors. His back heel drifted two inches outside the circle.
SEE ALSOCercleMèneArbitre
Say it: pyay tahn-KAY
Culture
“Feet planted,” the Provençal phrase that gave pétanque its name.
The Provençal expression meaning “feet planted together.” It describes the defining rule of pétanque: both feet must remain stationary inside the throwing circle. “Pieds tanqués” became “pétanque” through linguistic compression.
IN USE
Jules Lenoir could not manage the run-up in jeu provençal. His friend suggested he play “pieds tanqués.” That afternoon, pétanque was born.
SEE ALSOPétanqueJeu ProvençalCercle
Say it: PEEST
Courts
A single playing lane within a boulodrome. The “court” of pétanque.
One playing lane within a boulodrome, typically 4 meters wide and 15 meters long for casual play, or 3 meters wide in competition. Multiple pistes run parallel in a formal facility.
IN USE
The boulodrome has eight pistes. During Saturday open play, all eight run simultaneously from early afternoon until dark.
SEE ALSOBoulodromeTerrain
Say it: plom-BAY
Technique
The high lob that drops almost vertically with minimal roll. Most demanding pointing technique.
The highest-arc of the three pointing trajectories. A plombée is thrown in a steep arc and descends nearly vertically. The word means “leaded.” Ideal when rough terrain makes rolling unreliable or when obstacles block lower approaches.
IN USE
Three opponent boules blocked every rolling angle. The player switched to a plombée, dropping the boule over the screen and stopping 5 centimeters from the jack.
SEE ALSOPointerDemi-portéeRouletteDonnée
Say it: pwahn-TAHJ
Technique
The act of pointing. The general term for placement throwing as a discipline.
Pointage is the broad term for the skill, practice and technique of placing boules near the cochonnet. It encompasses all three trajectories (roulette, demi-portée, plombée) and includes reading the terrain, choosing the donnée, and executing the throw. In player evaluation, pointage skill is measured separately from shooting (tir) skill.
IN USE
Her pointage was the strongest in the region. She could read any terrain and consistently place boules within hand-width of the jack.
SEE ALSOPointerRouletteDemi-portéePlombée
Say it: pwahn-TAY
Technique
To make a placement throw, aiming to land your boule as close to the cochonnet as possible.
To point is to make a placement throw, aiming to land the boule near the cochonnet using roulette (low roll), demi-portée (medium arc) or plombée (high lob). Pointing is generally more reliable than shooting. All beginners are encouraged to develop pointing skills first.
IN USE
The pointer studied the terrain, identified her donnée and released a demi-portée that landed exactly on target.
SEE ALSOPointeurRouletteDemi-portéePlombéeDonnéeTirer
Say it: pwahn-TOOR
Roles
The team specialist in placement throws. Usually throws first to establish position near the jack.
The player who specializes in pointing. In competitive play, the pointeur opens each mène, establishing early position near the cochonnet. Pointeurs generally prefer softer boules with lower hardness ratings.
IN USE
Their pointeur placed eleven of thirteen throws within 30 centimeters of the cochonnet over the course of the match.
SEE ALSOPointerTireurMilieuDuretéDoublette
Say it: port-FUH-ee
Gameplay
“Wallet.” Scoring three points in a single round.
Taking three points in a mène is called “making a wallet.” The origin of the term is unclear, but it suggests something valuable being collected. Scoring three is a strong result; scoring four or more is increasingly rare and celebrated. In a tight game, a portefeuille can shift momentum dramatically.
IN USE
After a dominant mène where all three pointers scored, the captain collected the portefeuille: three points, closing the gap to 10 to 11.
SEE ALSOScoringMèneGagnant
R
Say it: ras-PIE
Technique
A rolling shot that skims the ground before hitting the target. Frowned upon in some circles.
A raspaille (also rafle or raspaillette) is a shooting technique where the boule is thrown low, bounces or rolls along the ground and then strikes the target boule. Unlike the tir au fer (which flies directly to the target), a raspaille uses the terrain surface as part of the trajectory. Purists consider it less skillful, but it can be effective on smooth, flat surfaces.
IN USE
On the smooth asphalt-adjacent court, the tireur sent a raspaille skimming across the surface. It struck the target cleanly despite never leaving the ground.
SEE ALSOTirerTir au ferTerrain
Say it: ruh-vuh-NEER
Gameplay
To come back. Closing the gap in score after being behind.
To “come back” in the score. When a team trails significantly and begins winning mènes to close the gap, they are said to revenir. Pétanque is a game of momentum shifts; a team trailing 1 to 10 can still revenir and win 13 to 12 if their play tightens at the right moment.
IN USE
Down 3 to 11, few gave them a chance. But they scored four in one mène, then three more. They were revenir, and the pressure shifted.
SEE ALSOScoringMèneGagnant
Say it: ROH(N)
Gameplay
The throwing circle. The same thing as cercle, used interchangeably.
An alternative word for the throwing circle (cercle). “Rond” simply means “circle” or “round” in French. In casual conversation, both terms are used. Official FIPJP rules reference “le cercle,” but “le rond” is heard just as often on the terrain.
IN USE
“Place le rond ici.” The captain pointed to a flat patch of ground. The circle was traced, and the next mène began.
SEE ALSOCercleMènePied dehors
Say it: roo-LET
Technique
A low-arc throw that rolls most of the way to the target. Most natural technique for beginners.
The lowest-arc pointing technique. A roulette is released with a shallow trajectory, lands close to the throwing circle and rolls most of the distance. It is the most instinctive throw for new players and works well on smooth, flat terrain.
IN USE
The park’s gravel court was freshly raked and level. The player used a low roulette that tracked straight to the cochonnet.
SEE ALSOPointerDemi-portéePlombéeDonnéeGalette
S
Say it: soh-TAY
Technique
Shooting “on the jump,” lobbing over a front boule to hit one behind it.
A spectacular shot where the tireur lobs the boule over an intervening obstacle (usually a friendly or neutral boule) to hit a target sitting behind it. The boule must arc over the front obstacle and still land accurately on the target. If the sautée also produces a carreau, it is one of the most impressive plays in pétanque.
IN USE
An opponent’s scoring boule hid directly behind one of their own. The tireur arced a sautée over the front boule and struck the target perfectly. The crowd went silent, then erupted.
SEE ALSOTirerHauteCarreauTir au fer
Gameplay
Only one team scores per round. Points equal the count of scoring boules. First to 13 wins.
After all boules are thrown in a mène: 1) Identify the team with the closest boule to the cochonnet. 2) That team scores one point for each of their boules sitting closer than the opponent’s nearest boule. 3) The losing team scores nothing. Only one team scores per mène. The game continues until one team reaches 13.
IN USE
Team A’s nearest boule is 8cm away. Team B’s nearest is 15cm. Team A also has boules at 11cm and 22cm. Team A scores 2 points (the 8cm and 11cm boules only).
SEE ALSOMèneNulFannyCochonnet
Say it: say-RAY luh JHUH
Gameplay
“Tighten the game.” Playing defensively to limit the opponent’s scoring.
A strategic instruction to play conservatively: place boules in blocking positions, avoid risky shots and limit point losses rather than aggressively pursuing additional points. Teams serrer le jeu when they hold a comfortable lead and want to close out the game safely, or when the remaining boules are too few for aggressive play.
IN USE
“Serrez le jeu!” the captain called. Up 12 to 9 with only two boules left, he wanted safe placements rather than heroic points.
SEE ALSODéfendreTenir le pointAvantage
Say it: STREE
Equipment
The grooves machined into a boule’s surface. Affect grip, terrain behavior and player identification.
Stries (striations) are the parallel or diagonal grooves machined into competition boules. They serve two purposes: grip (grooved surfaces catch the terrain differently) and identification (different brands have distinct patterns).
IN USE
She could identify her boules with touch alone. The diagonal stries of her Obut Match Plus had a distinctive feel.
SEE ALSOBouleDuretéAcierObut
T
Say it: luh PWAHN
Gameplay
The scoring advantage, the closest boule to the cochonnet.
“Le point” refers to the scoring position in a mène. The team with the closest boule “has the point.” All decisions flow from this status: the team with the point wants to defend; the team without it must attack.
IN USE
“On a le point.” Said with relief after a good throw keeps the team in the lead.
SEE ALSOTenir le pointMènePointer
Say it: tuh-NEER luh PWAHN
Gameplay
“Holding the point,” having the closest boule to the cochonnet.
“To hold the point.” When your team’s boule is closest to the cochonnet, your team holds the point. The team that does NOT hold the point must throw until they take it or run out of boules.
IN USE
“On tient le point, on défend maintenant.” The captain signals a shift from aggressive placement to protective strategy.
SEE ALSOPointerMèneLe pointDéfendre
Say it: teh-RAHN
Courts
The playing surface, and a strategic variable that changes everything.
Terrain goes beyond where you play; it is a live factor that shapes every throw. Gravel is traditional, offering medium rolling resistance. Packed clay plays faster; wet sand slows everything. Experienced players spend the first few throws reading the terrain.
IN USE
“The terrain is playing fast today, aim shorter than you think.” The captain warns before the first throw.
SEE ALSOPisteBoulodromeDonnéeDemi-portée
Say it: tet duh MOR
GameplayCulture
“Death head.” A round where you score zero despite having many boules near the jack.
When a team has several boules near the cochonnet but the opponent has one boule even closer, the result is a “death head”: all those seemingly good placements score nothing. It is a psychologically crushing outcome because the visual picture looks strong while the scoreboard shows zero.
IN USE
Four of their boules surrounded the jack at close range. But one opponent boule sat two centimeters closer. Tête de mort: zero points scored.
SEE ALSOScoringMèneCochonnet
Say it: tet-ah-TET
Formats
Singles format: 1 player per side, 3 boules each.
Literally “head to head.” The singles format in pétanque. Each player holds three boules. Singles gives each player more throws per round than any other format, making it excellent for skill development.
IN USE
Sunday morning practice: two players set up for a tête-à-tête on the far piste, working on pointing accuracy at 9 meters.
SEE ALSODoubletteTripletteMène
Say it: TEER
Technique
The act of shooting. The general term for displacement throwing as a discipline.
Tir is the noun form for the shooting discipline, just as pointage is the noun for pointing. A player’s tir skill is measured through hit percentage in competition. Top-level tireurs maintain hit rates above 70%. Tir encompasses all shooting techniques: tir au fer, raspaille, sautée and haute.
IN USE
His tir percentage for the tournament was 82%. Across five matches, he missed only nine shots out of fifty attempts.
SEE ALSOTirerTir au ferRaspailleSautée
Say it: teer oh FAIR
Technique
The correct competition shooting technique: a direct, flat shot aimed at the center of the target boule.
“Shooting at the iron.” A shooting approach where the incoming boule flies on a flat trajectory and strikes the target boule at its equator. This produces the cleanest deflection, ideally producing a carreau.
IN USE
The world champion’s tir au fer was mechanical in its precision: flat approach, clean center hit, the target gone, his boule sitting where it was.
SEE ALSOTirerTireurCarreauPlombée
Say it: tee-RAY
Technique
To shoot: to throw hard and accurately to knock an opponent’s boule out of scoring position.
To shoot, to make a displacement throw. Unlike pointing (which aims to land close to the cochonnet), tirer aims to hit a specific target: an opponent’s boule that is threatening to score. Shooting is higher risk than pointing. All beginners should learn pointing first.
IN USE
The opponent’s boule sat two centimeters from the jack, too close to point past. The tireur stepped in and fired.
SEE ALSOTireurCarreauTir au ferPointerVirer le cochonnet
Say it: tee-RAY syoor lor-AY
Technique
“Shoot on the ear.” Hitting the side of a target boule to deflect it sideways.
A deliberate shot aimed at the side (the “ear”) of a target boule rather than its center. The purpose is to deflect the target sideways rather than straight back, useful when a straight-back deflection would cause a contre or push the target into a worse position. It requires very precise aim.
IN USE
A straight shot would have pushed the target into the cochonnet. The tireur chose to hit l’oreille, sending the boule sideways off the terrain.
SEE ALSOTirerTir au ferContre
Say it: tee-ROOR
Roles
The team specialist in shooting. Deployed when an opponent’s boule must be removed.
The player who specializes in shooting. In competitive play, the tireur waits while the pointeur establishes position, then is deployed when an opponent’s boule must be displaced. Tireurs prefer harder boules producing cleaner carreaux.
IN USE
Their tireur hit 78% of shots in competition. Teams dreaded having a close boule near the jack when he was up.
SEE ALSOTirerPointeurMilieuDuretéCarreau
Say it: tree-PLET
Formats
Triples format: 3 players per team, 2 boules each, 6 total per side.
A three-player team. Each player holds two boules. This is the format used in major international competition and most national championships. Roles are clearly defined: a pointeur, a tireur and a milieu.
IN USE
The national triplette championship: 128 teams of three, six boules per side, first to 13.
SEE ALSODoubletteTête-à-têtePointeurTireurMilieu
V
Say it: VAHN-truh
Technique
“Play to the belly.” Using backspin to stop the boule quickly after landing.
Playing “au ventre” means imparting significant backspin so the boule lands on its “belly” and dies quickly. The opposite of a boule that skips and runs after landing. Backspin is the key technique behind the plombée and is critical for carreaux. Pointers use it on fast terrain to prevent overshoot.
IN USE
The terrain was baked hard and playing fast. The pointer applied maximum backspin and played au ventre. The boule hit, bit the surface and stopped within a hand-span.
SEE ALSOPlombéePointerDonnéeTerrain
Say it: vee-RAY luh ko-sho-NAY
TechniqueGameplay
To deliberately shoot the jack itself, moving it to a new position.
To “turn the jack.” Shooting the cochonnet directly rather than an opponent’s boule. This moves the jack to a new position where your team’s existing boules are suddenly closer. The cochonnet (30 to 35mm) is a much smaller target than a boule (70 to 80mm).
IN USE
Down 12 to 11 with three opponent boules scoring, the tireur aimed at the cochonnet, sending it rolling 5 meters to sit next to their two derrière boules. Match won.
SEE ALSOTirerTireurCochonnetCarreau
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