Rolling down the ages

Guests at Dubai hotel enjoy a game of Bocce before dinner

Bocce. Does the name ring any bells? Not exactly. Most of us have not heard about this simple game that dates back almost 7,000 years.

On the first level of Oasis Beach Hotel, Dubai, outside the Italian restaurant, Oregano, guests can find themselves in an ambience re-created to match the central place of an old southern France village.

Adding to the authenticity of the set-up is a 'Boules' or 'Bocce' board fixed outside the restaurant, giving guests a chance to unwind with this Italian-Mediterranean game.

The purpose of the game is to roll the 'Bocce' – a 4.5-inch ball, weighing about three pounds – as close as possible to the pallino, which is a smaller ball that has been rolled down the alley first.

The Bocce that comes closest to the pallino scores a point. Twelve points constitute a game. The game requires good judgement of distance, the ability to size up a situation immediately, a good eye to spot contours and rough spots in the alley, and the proper psychological frame of mind.

"It is a been a major attraction," says Jeanfrancoise Nogue, food and beverage manager, Oasis Beach Hotel. "The guests, young and old alike, all want to try their hand at this fascinating game.

"It becomes difficult to categorise the crowd that flocks around the alley. A few friends can be seen enjoying the game with bouts of infectious laughter, while a family keenly observes the game, awaiting their turn.

"The best part is that parents can enjoy a quiet dinner on the tables set around the 'Bocce' board, while keeping an eye on their children involved in the game nearby."

According to him, "Bocce is a competitive game of skill. It sharpens the reflexes and judgement, and stimulates good fellowship among players. It is very popular throughout the United States among Italian Americans."

To trace back the origin of the game is difficult, with the earliest records of it being played by the Egyptians and the Romans.

The barbarians within the Roman Empire took a liking to it – the Gauls producing a French version called 'Boules'. The English turned it into the pastime that you see on television's 'Championship Bowling'.

Throughout history, innumerable Bocce games have been played in the streets, alleys, squares and country greens of every European country and in North and South America. Lovers of Bocce play it wherever there is adequate space.

In Philadelphia, USA, there are 17 Bocce Clubs. Unlike 'Championship Bowling', Bocce is not a game of roll, slam, crash and rack.

It's a sport involving skill, fitness, strategy and cunning.

Bocce fans the world over are known to commonly claim that the game helps improve bowling, golf and shuffleboarding skills. There is no age limit for the Bocce players. Many elderly citizens play the game for relaxation and exercise.

Another version of Bocce is available at the hotel for guests who would like to play outdoors. Set up near the green lawn area at the beach resort, 'Petanque' is a game played all across the French countryside.

Both 'Bocce' and 'Petanque' are very similar with a few differences in the playing equipment.

A game not so famous, Bocce brings an added charm to an evening at the Oasis Beach Hotel. As time progresses, the atmosphere gets livelier with people flocking around the board, busy winning and losing a game played in an amicable atmosphere of camaraderie.