Bocce ball is a fantastic game for people of all ages. Bocce ball lends itself to all kinds of different occasions, from family barbecues to casual Sunday afternoons in the sunshine.
The basic premise of the game is very simple and even beginners should have no trouble learning how to play. In fact, bocce ball is probably one of the most accessible games on the market. However, that doesn't mean that it's a game that only appeals to casual gamers. Bocce ball can also be a lot of fun for fiercely competitive people, as well. After becoming familiar with the game you'll begin to notice that there is much more strategy to it than meets the eye.
Bocce ball is technically meant to be played on actual court lined with soil, sand or artificial turf, but this isn't really necessary (and can actually hinder the experience). As long as you're not playing on a concrete hill, you should be fine. Bocce ball can be played either one-on-one or in teams of two. It begins when someone throws the jack, which is the small white ball, to a reasonable distance. After that, teams alternate throwing the larger balls until they're all gone. Once all balls are thrown, the team with a ball closest to the jack gets a point, and if their second and third balls are closer than the other team's closest, they get additional points. Games are played to a pre-determined number (generally 21).
Bocce ball sets come in all shapes and sizes and they range from dirt cheap to pretty expensive. Really nice bocce sets can set you back as much as $140, but these sets are more for decoration than anything else. If possible, it's best to buy a used set or a lower-end new one. The cheapest ones you can buy online are around $30, but it's not uncommon to find them for cheaper at garage sales or thrift stores. The balls are incredibly durable and are basically the same from set to set. The main factor that drives up the prices of sets is the carrying case, which shouldn't merit an increase in price. Remember, the whole point of bocce is to have fun!