| Bocce Ball is an ancient sport, some say it dates back to Egypt in 5200 BC. But somehow it made it's way to Italy where it gained popularity. In fact, it is the second most popular ball sport in the world after soccer. So it is interesting that the Italian Family Festa is bringing it to Tallahassee this February. On Saturday is the Bocce Tournament and Sunday is Free Play. Bocce reminds me of a cross between horseshoes and bowling. It is played with eight large balls and one smaller ball (called the pallino). The game can be played one-on-one or with teams of 2 to 4. First, divide the bocce balls evenly between the number of players so each side has different color balls. Choose a player to throw the pallino between two boundary lines. After the pallino is thrown, the same player will throw his first bocce ball. The purpose of the game is to get your bocce balls as close as possible to the pallino. After the first player has thrown his first bocce ball, he is considered "inside" because his ball is closer to the pallino than any of the competitors' balls. All other players are considered "outside." Whenever a player is considered "inside," he will forfeit his turn throwing bocce balls. All "outside" players will take turns throwing their bocce balls until one of theirs gets closer to the pallino than the "inside" player. Players use strategy by knocking the other bocce balls or the pallino away from their competitor's balls. | 
