Lawn Game Rules Library
Bocce, pétanque, kubb, croquet, Kan Jam and roundnet — scoring, setup, and the rule each group gets wrong.
Score an end
Enter how far each ball finished from the target, in any unit, separated by commas. Only one team scores — and it scores one point for every ball closer than the other side's nearest.
The rule people invent
In bocce and pétanque, only one team scores an end — the one with the closest ball — and it scores a point for every ball of its own that is closer than the opponent's nearest. A superb second ball sitting just behind their best is worth exactly nothing, which is the part that surprises people.
The other one worth getting right is turn order. In bocce the team that is not closest throws next, and keeps throwing until it takes the lead. Alternating turns like tennis is the most common house rule and it changes the game completely.
Things worth knowing
- Bocce and pétanque share one scoring rule and it is the one people invent: only ONE team scores an end, and it scores a point for every ball closer than the opponent’s nearest. A brilliant second ball behind their best is worth nothing.
- In bocce the team that is NOT closest throws next, which is what keeps an end alive. Alternating turns like tennis is the most common house-rule mistake and it changes the game completely.
- In kubb, field kubbs must be cleared before you may aim at the baseline — and felling a baseline kubb early puts it back up. Knocking the king over before the kubbs are gone loses the game outright.
- Kan Jam needs exactly 21 and there is no bust, but a clean throw into the slot ends the game at any score. That is the only instant win in any of these games.
- Roundnet has no boundaries and no positions once the ball is served. Standing where you played the ball is how teams block their own partner and lose rallies they had won.
- Measure rather than argue. Every closest-ball game has a tape measure in the box for a reason, and every group that does not use one has the same argument every summer.
How to use
- Pick a game to see players, equipment, area, scoring and the rules that matter.
- Read the common mistake — it is usually the one your group has been playing wrong.
- For bocce and pétanque, use the end scorer to settle a close end.
Frequently asked questions
How does bocce scoring work?
Only one team scores an end — the one with the closest ball — and it scores a point for every ball of its own that is closer than the opponent’s nearest. A superb second ball sitting behind their best is worth nothing.
Who throws next in bocce?
The team that is NOT closest, and it keeps throwing until it takes the lead. Alternating turns like tennis is the most common house rule and it changes the game completely.
What happens if two balls are exactly equal?
Neither team scores that end. It is the rule people invent an answer for rather than look up, which is why every bocce set has a tape measure in the box.
Is pétanque the same as bocce?
The scoring is identical. The differences are that pétanque boules are thrown rather than rolled, from inside a circle with both feet together, and the ground is usually rougher.
How do you lose at kubb instantly?
By knocking the king over before all the opponent’s kubbs are down. It ends the game on the spot, whatever else has happened.
Does Kan Jam have a bust rule?
No — you need exactly 21 and going over simply means you keep playing. But a clean throw straight into the slot with no deflection ends the game immediately at any score.
Are there positions in roundnet?
No. Once the ball is served there are no sides and no boundaries, and standing where you played the ball is the most common way teams block their own partner and lose rallies.
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