Welcome
Torquay Pétanque Club
A friendly club for everyone who enjoys pétanque – whether you've played for years or never thrown a boule. Visitors and beginners are always welcome.
We play at Torquay Tennis Club, Belgrave Road, Torquay.
New here? Create an account – or just book as a guest, no account needed.
Next session: Tomorrow – Thursday 15 October, 3pm – 5pm
When we play
Regular sessions every week. You can book up to 2 weeks ahead.
Tuesdays
- 3pm – 5pm
- 5pm – 7pm
Thursdays
- 3pm – 5pm
- 5pm – 7pm
Saturdays
- 10:30am – 12:30pm
Sundays
- 2pm – 4pm
Where we play
Torquay Tennis Club
Belgrave RoadTorquayDevonTQ2 5HPPlease arrive about 5 minutes before the start so teams can be set up.
Club boules are provided, so you don't need to bring any – but you're welcome to bring your own.
First time here?
Choose a session
Go to Book a session and tapclick a day and time that suits you.
Book your place
Enter your name and an email or phone number, then press "Book my place". You don't need an account.
Come along and play
Please arrive about 5 minutes before the start so teams can be set up. Club boules are provided, so you don't need to bring any – but you're welcome to bring your own. Wear comfortable flat shoes, and if you're new to the game just say so – someone will show you how to play.
Coming back?
- Have an account? Log in and booking takes one tapclick. Your bookings and results are under "My account".
- Booked as a guest? Use the link in your confirmation email (or the page you saved) to see or cancel your booking.
- Coming regularly? Create an account so we remember your details and you can track your results.
- Club member? Tick "I'm a member" when you sign up. Once an admin confirms it you'll see club notices, matches and team sheets.
How to play pétanque
The basics in a few minutes. Don't worry about remembering it all – players are happy to help.
The aim of the game
Two teams take turns throwing metal balls (boules) to get them as close as possible to a small wooden ball called the jack (or cochonnet). The first team to reach 13 points wins.
Teams and boules
- Singles – 1 against 1, three boules each.
- Doubles – 2 against 2, three boules each.
- Triples – 3 against 3, two boules each.
At club sessions the leader can draw random teams for you, so you don't need to bring a partner.
Starting an end
- Toss a coin to decide who goes first.
- That team puts the plastic throwing circle on the ground to throw from.
- They throw the jack between 6 and 10 metres away.
- The same team throws the first boule, trying to get it as close to the jack as possible.
Taking turns
- Throw from inside the circle with both feet on the ground until your boule lands.
- The team that is not closest to the jack throws next, and keeps throwing until they get closer or run out of boules.
- You can roll your boule gently towards the jack, or throw it to knock an opponent's boule away.
Scoring
- When all the boules have been thrown, the "end" is over.
- The team with the boule closest to the jack scores one point for every boule that is closer than the other team's best boule.
- The winning team puts the circle down where the jack finished and starts the next end.
- Keep playing ends until one team reaches 13 points.
Good manners on the piste
- Stand still and keep quiet while someone is throwing.
- Stand behind the player throwing, or well to the side – never in front.
- If it's too close to call, measure – and agree the result with the other team.
- Don't pick up any boules until the score for the end is agreed.
- Shake hands and enjoy it – it's a friendly game!
Questions about this website
How do I cancel a booking?
You can cancel up to 1 hour before the start.
With an account: open My bookings, choose the session and press "I can't come". As a guest: use the link in your confirmation email.
Do I need my own boules?
Club boules are provided, so you don't need to bring any – but you're welcome to bring your own.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive about 5 minutes before the start so teams can be set up.
What if a session is full?
Join the waiting list. If someone cancels, the first person on the list is booked in automatically and we'll email them.
I've forgotten my password
On the log in page, choose Forgotten your password? and we'll email you a link to set a new one.
Can I choose which emails I get?
Yes – go to My account and tick the emails you want, such as booking confirmations or a reminder the day before.
Can I use this on my phone?
Yes. You can also add it to your home screen: open the browser menu and choose "Add to Home screen", so it opens like an app.