Get started with these basic rules from The Joy of Bocce, 2nd Edition by Mario Pagnoni.

1. Make two equal teams. One-, two-or four-person teams are most common.

2. First player of first team pitches pallino (little ball) and then rolls first bocce ball, trying to draw as near as possible to pallino. Balls can be tossed underhand or overhand, through air or bowled on ground.

3. Starting team stands aside and does not bowl again until opposing team gets one of their bocce balls closer to pallino or runs out of balls.

4. Play proceeds in this manner, observing nearest ball rule. Team with nearest ball stands aside and waits until other team has nearest ball or has used up all its balls in attempt.

5. After both teams deliver all balls, frame or round is over. Score one point for each ball that is closer to pallino than closest ball of your opponent.

6. Team that scores point(s) starts next frame by rolling pallino and first bocce ball.

7. Games can be played to 11, 12, 15, 16, 21 points, or to any mutually agreeable count.

8. Think ahead. Possible strategies include knocking an opponent’s ball out of scoring position, redirecting pallino to new position, and leaving ball in front of pallino to block your opponent’s attempt.

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