How pétanque scoring works
Pétanque is scored an end at a time, and an end can be worth more than one point.
Scoring an end
When both teams have thrown all their boules, only the team with the boule closest to the jack scores. It scores one point for every one of its boules that is closer than the other team’s best boule.
How many boules
In singles and doubles each player throws 3 boules; in triples each throws 2. That makes an end worth up to 3 points in singles and up to 6 in doubles and triples.
Playing to 13
A game is won by the first team to 13 points. Shorter games to 11 and longer ones to 15 are common, and league matches are often best of three.
The jack
The team that won the end throws the jack to start the next one, from a circle drawn where the jack finished.
Dead ends
If the closest boules of the two teams are exactly the same distance from the jack and no boules are left to play, nobody scores and the end is replayed.
What Score All does with these rules
Scoring an end
When both teams have thrown all their boules, the team with the boule closest to the jack scores one point for each of its boules nearer than the opponents’ closest. Only one team scores per end. Tap +1 to +6 for that team.
Boules and formats
Singles (tête-à-tête) and doubles (doublette) throw 3 boules a player, triples (triplette) 2, so an end is worth up to 3 points in singles and up to 6 in doubles and triples. The buttons match the format you pick.
First to 13
A game goes to 13. Shorter games to 11 and longer ones to 15 are common house rules, and leagues often play best of three.
The jack and dead ends
The team that scored throws the jack to start the next end. When the closest boules of both teams are the same distance away, the end is dead: no score, and it is played again. Tap Dead end.
Timed games
Competitions with a time limit can cap the number of ends: the highest score after the last end wins, and a tie plays on.
Pétanque scoring FAQ
How many points is an end of pétanque?
One to six. The team closest to the jack scores one for each of its boules nearer than the opponents’ closest.
What score is a game of pétanque played to?
Thirteen. Some clubs play to 11 or 15.
How is pétanque scored?
One end at a time. The team closest to the jack scores a point for every boule nearer than the other team’s best, and the first team to 13 wins.
How many points can you score in one end of pétanque?
Up to 3 in singles and up to 6 in doubles and triples: one for each boule the team throws.
Is there a free pétanque score app?
Yes. Score All keeps pétanque score for free on any phone, with a live scoreboard link, a TV display and tournament brackets.