Quick Answer
Murbles is a lightweight, family-friendly twist on bocce ball. Set up a court in your yard, toss the point ball, then take turns throwing your colored balls closest to it.
Why Murbles Is Different from Traditional Bocce
Murbles uses lighter, brightly colored balls and a smaller pallino (called the point ball) that can be knocked around during play. This makes the game faster, easier to see on grass, and more exciting for all ages. The lightweight design also makes it a great travel bocce ball game—perfect for picnics, camping, or beach trips.
What You Need to Get Started
A standard Murbles set includes seven balls: six player balls (two each of three colors) and one white point ball. You also need a flat, open yard area about 30–40 feet long. No permanent court markings required—just two boundary markers (like shoes or cones) to define the playing lane.
How to Play Murbles: Step-by-Step Rules
- Step 1: Set Up Your Court: Choose a flat, grassy area about 30–40 feet long. Place two markers (shoes, cones, or sticks) at each end to define the lane width—about 6–8 feet apart. This is your playing field. Avoid slopes or uneven ground; the lightweight balls roll unpredictably on hills.
- Step 2: Toss the Point Ball: One player (the starting team) throws the white point ball from one end of the court toward the opposite end. The point ball must land beyond the halfway line but not go out of bounds. It becomes the target for the round. If the point ball lands too close to the edge, opponents can easily knock it out—aim for the center third of the court.
- Step 3: Throw Your Player Balls: Starting with the team that tossed the point ball, each player throws one of their colored balls toward the point ball. The goal is to land your ball closer to the point ball than any opponent's ball. After the first throw, the team that is farthest from the point ball throws next. You can also knock an opponent's ball away or move the point ball with your throw—use this to your advantage.
- Step 4: Score the Round: After all six player balls have been thrown, measure which balls are closest to the point ball. The team with the closest ball scores one point for each of their balls that is closer than any opponent's ball. Only one team scores per round. A common mistake is forgetting to check if the point ball moved during play—always confirm its final position before measuring.
- Step 5: Play to the Winning Score: Continue rounds until one team reaches 11 points. Switch starting sides each round to keep conditions fair. If the point ball is knocked out of bounds, the round ends immediately with no score—start a new round. Keep track of points on a phone or notepad; memory can get fuzzy after a few rounds.
Product Spotlight
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Murbles Standard 7 Ball Travel Bocce Ball Game: Murbles Standard 7 Ball Travel Bocce Ball Game includes lightweight balls and a pallino that can be knocked around, making play more dynamic. The lighter balls are easier for kids and beginners to throw, and the knockable pallino adds a strategic element that keeps every round unpredictable.
Murbles Standard 7 Ball Travel Bocce Ball Game
