The aim is to toss, or roll steel balls ("boules") as close as possible to a small target ball. Players take turns and the team that ends up nearest to the target ball when all balls are played, wins. Unlike horseshoes, where the aim stake is fixed, petanques' target ball may be hit at any time, which can completely upset the score at the last second. And whereas official 'bocce' rules call for a smooth, prepared court with markers and sideboards, petanque can be played on most outdoor surfaces, without any setup.