Bocce?

[Macman]

We used to play it in the back yard when the kids were younger. The two youngest managed to knock an ear off our gargoyle with a bocce ball once, but that's another story. Our set hasn't seen action for a few years, because in the place we're in now the balls tend to roll out onto the road. Thanks for bringing up the topic, KC; it's a good reminder to get the set out this spring and head down to the park.

[ckelly327]

We have a Bocce set and play it with the kids and grandkids in the back yard. Rules? There are no rules! Throw the pea somewhere and try to get near it. One point if you are the closest and two points if both your shots are closest. First one to 11 wins - those are the house rules.

That said we also go to the local Italian Benevolent Society for pizza sometimes and during the summer they have very, very serious Bocce leagues. They have about 10 courts with artificial turf and they are maintained like bowling alleys. I like to compare it to darts. There is playing around in the pub and then there are the people in leagues who take it very seriously.

When I lived in Pinehurst, NC, you wouldn't believe how seriously some people took their croquet. Still, when we have a family gathering, the Bocce balls always come out. My wife's family never played before two years ago and they still ask when we are getting back together to play.