Petanque Tactics. Do not let that pointed boule get in the way of a big end

This session we are going back to tactics. We have looked at how play can take many twists and turns in this game of Petanque. Games can be lost and won purely on tactics. Simple ones like changing the jacks position during a game you are in control of or shooting when you should point and vice versa.

Pointing when you should shoot is a tactic that seems simple at first. If the point takes the prime position then where is the harm? You may even win the end so what is the problem?. We will look at an end in full flow. The opposition have played four boule and are holding to the side of the jack. You have three boule left and are 2^nd and third in the head. The boule are set up in a pocket so you cannot fail to point into the pack to hold the point. You have three boule left and take position to point. The head is tight but the point looks straight forward. The score is 4 all in what has up to now been a tight game. Stop! Another point into the tight head will put you on but the set up of boule and jack will mean a low score in every situation. The oppositions boule will be protected as soon as your pointed boule stops in the head. The opposition cannot out point your boule without moving the jack and they cannot shoot your boule without moving theirs. The boule you are about to play will close the head right down. They will be happy being 2 boule against three to get one against them in this situation. The score will be 5-4 to you but by shooting the score could be 7 or 8-4. How? By attacking the head you are removing their boule from the defensive positions. You may get a carreau, the jack may flick up but you still have the same amount of boule as them. You must be looking to play the best shot you can. You cannot think every thing will go wrong, we know sometimes it does but you have to be bold but not reckless.

You shoot and hit their boule out of the head. You do not spot carreau but are now in a situation where you are holding 1,2 and 3 places. The opposition can either shoot the jack or defend. They aim to rest on the jack hoping any shot from you will kill the jack. The point is slightly long but holding. You shoot again and clip the boule out of the holding position. Not far enough but you are now 1^st 3^rd and 4^th. They point with there last boule trying to keep well away from there only boule in the head. Looks like they have been reading a few tips from somewhere. Two boule together can be taken out with one boule for a big score. So worried about keeping away from their only boule in the head they play short and you are now 1^st 3^rd and fifth in the head. You shoot the 2^nd boule and carreau for three. Not a great success but two extra points have been wrung out of a canny opposition. 7-4 is a good result and if the game remains as tight you will be able to put the pressure on. 7 points is a finish place. The chances of getting six in one end is difficult but not impossible. Every point you get now is closer to the magic 13. This can be a huge benefit in the later phases of the game.