When some people think of bocce ball, they think of older Italian men smoking cigars and playing one game after another in the park. And while those men haven’t stopped their games, bocce ball isn’t just a sport reserved for an older generation. In fact, bocce ball is fast becoming a popular game for adults in their 20’s and 30’s at parties, vacations, and especially bars. Bocce ball is fast joining the ranks of pool and darts when it comes to bar games. Here are some reasons why you should join the growing bocce trend:

Everyone Can Play Bocce

A recent feature story from NPR revealed that bocce isn’t just a game for men. Unlike male-dominated games like pool and darts, women feel just as comfortable as men while playing bocce since it’s relatively new for everyone in their 20’s and 30’s. In fact, it’s the perfect game to play after a long day of work. The balls are also quite light and easy to handle, so even children can join in the fun at a party. No one has an edge in bocce ball, unless of course you’ve been playing it for years!

Bocce Is a Social Game

Much like pool, bocce requires players to take turns. This makes it an ideal game for socializing in between turns or during a player’s turn. You can have a drink, eat a meal, or smoke a cigar during a bocce game without slowing down the flow of the game or causing anyone a disadvantage. For young people out at the bar, bocce can be the perfect ice breaker among different groups. Best yet, bocce games can be relatively short. Unlike some other yard games that can eat up half an afternoon, bocce games aren’t going to tie you down for a long time. You can pick up a game with a few friends, catch up in between turns, and then move on to the rest of the party.

Bocce Goes Well with Drinks

Bars have started adding bocce courts, creating a fun environment where patrons can socialize, drink, and play a couple of games while out with friends. Bocce goes well with a drink in one hand and a ball in the other. In fact, bars are where bocce has seen the most growth in the United States, with bars adding courts inside and outside, encouraging patrons to play games and to even start leagues. There are thousands of players in bocce leagues across America who have elevated their games past a laid back time with friends.

Bocce Is a Simple Game

While setting up a bocce court involves a slight investment in a smooth playing surface made of clay or some kind of packed dirt with wooden edges, the game itself only requires two sets of balls and a pallino that serves as the target for players. The balls are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic. The rules are quite simple: get your ball as close to the pallino as possible in order to score a point. With rules that simple, anyone can set up a bocce ball court in a bar, backyard party, or family vacation. The pace of the game is relaxing and easily integrates many people throughout the day. If you need a specially adapted game for your event or location, there are several different kinds of bocce sets that will work. For example, there are different ball weights and sizes you can pick up depending on your level of expertise. A simple tournament series may be all that some people need, but if you want to offer a more competitive option, a championship series bocce ball set will be ideal. You can even find lighted bocce ball sets if you’re planning a party for a warm summer evening and you want to provide a fun way to spend some time outdoors.

Bocce Is Affordable

Unlike some sports that involve buying a net or a table, bocce is a great sport for anyone to start playing today because it’s so affordable. You can take your next party or vacation to the next level by adding a game of bocce next to the coolers stocked with drinks. Start practicing today so you can hold your own at the neighborhood bar or when a group of friends gather for an informal game. You’ll figure out the rules in no time and will soon be on your way to having a great time with friends.