How bocce scoring works
Bocce is scored a frame at a time, and the only genuinely tricky part is that a frame can be worth more than one point.
Scoring a frame
Only one team scores in a frame: the team whose ball is closest to the jack. It scores one point for every one of its balls that is closer than the opponent's best ball, so a frame is worth one to four points depending on how the ends lie.
Playing to 12
Games are commonly to 12, with 13, 16 and 21 all in use. Play continues frame by frame until somebody reaches the target.
The exact finish rule
Some clubs require you to land exactly on the target: overshooting means the score does not count, or the excess is deducted. It is a house rule but a very common one, and it is a switch here.
Petanque
Petanque is scored identically, one to six points a frame, played to 13. If you play petanque, use the bocce scoreboard and set the target to 13.
What Score All does with these rules
Frames
Only one team scores each frame: one point for every ball closer to the pallino than the opponent’s best. Tap +1 to +4 for the frame winner. First to 12 (or your number) wins.
House rules
Must-hit-exactly (bust past the target and the points do not count), skunk at 7-0, handicaps and pétanque’s 13 points with up to 6 a frame are all options.
Bocce scoring FAQ
How many points is a frame of bocce?
One to four. The team closest to the jack scores one for each of its balls nearer than the opponent's closest ball.
What is the exact finish rule?
A house rule requiring you to hit the target score exactly. Going over does not win the game.
Can I use this for petanque?
Yes. Petanque scores the same way; set the target to 13.
Is there a free app for keeping bocce score?
Yes. Score All scores bocce and pétanque for free with +1 to +4 buttons, a frame counter and a scoreboard link for the whole court.