Petanque rules and umpiring

Measuring a disputed point, telling when a boule is dead, knowing the distances for throwing the jack: the rules win you points just as much as skill does. This topic brings together our articles on petanque rules and umpiring, explained simply, so you can play with confidence, whether for fun or in competition. If you’re new to the game, start with our complete guide to the rules of petanque, then take a closer look at the situations that spark debate on the terrain. Each article answers a specific question, drawing on the official rules and on examples from real games.