This game has many names of which I have mentioned three. Each variation has minor adjustments in the rules, but essentially are the same. The equipmentrequired for the game is 1 small white ball (about 1 - 1 ½" in diameter) and2-4 balls of about 3" diameter for each player. The field is a flat stretchof ground generally 10' wide by 60' long (the distance can vary depending onthe age and skill of the players).
Play starts by throwing the small white ball known as a "Jack", "Pallino",or "Cochonnet". The ball must land at least halfway up the designated fieldto be in play. The players then take turns trying to roll their ballsclosest to the "Jack". When a player succeeds in getting his ball closest,his turn ends. If a player runs out of balls before getting "Best Ball" thenthey must wait while the other players attempt to improve their positions.
A player can get "best ball" in several ways. First they can simply rolltheir ball closest to the jack. He could also use his ball to hit anotherplayer's ball away or one of his own closer. The player can also hit thejack causing it to move away from the other players' balls.
At the end of each round, the player whose balls are closest gets one pointfor each ball nearer to the jack than any other players'. Games are usually played until a score of 15 is reached.