Something quiet but important happens on a pétanque terrain. A taxi driver and a university professor stand shoulder to shoulder, studying the same cochonnet. A teacher asks a sixty-year-old immigrant for advice on his pointing technique. A custodian and an attorney debate whether to shoot or point, and for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon, the only hierarchy that matters is who can place metal closest to wood. Philosopher Michael Sandel has spent decades arguing that democracy depends on...

Silas, Bekah, and Michelle This was the tournament I'd been waiting for my whole pétanque life—ever since I fell in love with this sport and decided to go all in. Play as many tournaments as I could, near and far. Connect with other addicts like me. Dream big. When Bekah Howe and I won the world qualifier to represent the US in 2025, we knew it was going to be special. The World Championships (September 17-22, 2025) would take place in Rome, Italy in the historic Villa Borghese gardens, no...

In pétanque, like in any competitive sport, players occasionally encounter opponents who may not play fair. Some may intentionally disrupt your focus by claiming your time is up when it isn’t, making comments to throw you off, or engaging in distracting behavior. These are typically the same individuals we encounter in tournaments year after year. Handling these situations gracefully and effectively can help you maintain your concentration and enjoyment of the game. Stay Calm and Observant...