Many close games are lost to decisions, not throws. A few habits in how you choose each shot can swing tight ends your way.
Our strategy page covers tactics in depth. Here are the tweaks that pay off fastest.
Count the boules
After every throw, know how many boules each team has left. The team with more boules in hand has the advantage, even when the other side holds the point.
With two or more boules extra, you can afford to shoot and still point afterward. With fewer, every miss hurts twice.
Point or shoot?
When to shoot
Shoot when an opponent’s boule sits close to the jack and a point would be hard to beat. A good shot removes their best boule and often leaves your team holding.
Shoot while your team still has boules left to point afterward. Our shooting page covers the throw.
When to point
Point when the opponents’ best boule is beatable or the jack sits in open ground. A well-placed boule forces them to answer, which uses up their boules.
Ask what a miss costs
Before each throw, picture the miss: where does your boule end up and what happens to the jack? If a miss would hand the opponents several points, choose the safer throw.
Use the jack throw
The team that won the last end throws the jack, anywhere from 6 to 10 m under the FIPJP official rules. Choose a distance that suits your team and troubles theirs.
A long jack makes shooting harder, which helps against a strong shooter. A short one favors a team whose pointers are steadier than its shooters.
Throw it toward ground you have already read. Our page on reading the terrain explains what to look for.
Place boules with a purpose
In front of the jack
A boule just short of the jack blocks the rolling line for the opponents’ pointers. It is also hard to shoot cleanly without touching the jack.
If an opponent’s boule pushes it forward, it may end up even closer.
Behind the jack
A boule behind the jack protects you when the jack gets knocked back. It gains the point instead of losing it.
Play to your roles
In triples, the usual order is pointer, middle player, then shooter, with two boules each. Wikipedia’s pétanque article describes the pointer and shooter roles.
Agree on the plan before each throw and let your strongest player take the key boule. Our formats page covers each team size.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always shoot when I am behind?
No. Shoot when the opposing boule is hard to beat and you have boules to spare; otherwise, a good point can be the better answer.
Who throws the jack?
The team that scored in the previous end. It draws a new circle where the jack stopped and throws within 6 to 10 m.
What is the best jack distance?
The one your team handles best. Many teams go long against strong shooters and short when pointing is their stronger skill.
