Apparatus and rules for playing a boules-style game. The apparatus may include one or more rigid gamepads on which balls can roll, each gamepad having a raised ridge around its periphery defining a base area, and shapes formed in the base area by raised ridges enclosing one or more additional distinct areas. The game may be played in an open area with one or more gamepads placed on the ground. Gameplay includes players rolling the balls onto the gamepad from a distance. Each gamepad may have a post affixed thereto extending vertically from the gamepad. A bonus ball may be balanced atop the post, subject to being dislodged and awarding bonus points. Points are awarded based on a predetermined point value of the base area, and higher predetermined point values of the areas defined by the raised ridges, and the final positions of the balls.

Apparatus and rules for playing a boules-style game. The apparatus includes one or more specially configured rigid gamepads having a flat upper surface on which balls can roll smoothly, each gamepad having a raised ridge around its periphery defining a base area, and shapes formed in the base area by raised ridges enclosing one or more additional distinct areas. Game balls may be configured to provide slightly unpredictable rolling characteristics, for example by providing them with grooves, ridges, lumps, dimples, or other surface anomalies. The game may be played in an open area with one or more gamepads placed on the ground spaced apart from each other. Gameplay includes players rolling the balls onto the gamepad from a distance. Each gamepad may have a post affixed thereto extending vertically from the gamepad. A bonus ball may be balanced atop the post, subject to being dislodged and awarding bonus points. Points are awarded based on a predetermined point value of the base area, and higher predetermined point values of the areas defined by the raised ridges, and the final positions of the balls and or bags.

Apparatus and rules for playing a boules-style game. The apparatus may include one or more rigid gamepads on which balls can roll, each gamepad having a raised ridge around its periphery defining a base area, and shapes formed in the base area by raised ridges enclosing one or more additional distinct areas. The game may be played in an open area with one or more gamepads placed on the ground. Gameplay includes players rolling the balls onto the gamepad from a distance. Each gamepad may have a post affixed thereto extending vertically from the gamepad. A bonus ball may be balanced atop the post, subject to being dislodged and awarding bonus points. Points are awarded based on a predetermined point value of the base area, and higher predetermined point values of the areas defined by the raised ridges, and the final positions of the balls.

The invention provides a bowl. The bowl is provided with at least one grip ring, which grip ring is in the form of a first groove formed into the surface of the bowl and a second groove formed into the surface of the first groove, and a resiliently deformable or elastic band which fits into the second groove such the surface of the band is flush with or slightly proud of the surface of the first groove.