How to Play Flabocce With a Large Group: Pick Your Colors and Throw Together

Lately, we’ve had customers buying eight, twelve, even sixteen colors of Flabocce—with only one target.

My first thought was, “What the hell are you going to do with all those colors?”

I invented the game, and even I thought that sounded a little crazy. That’s a lot of flabs going after one Jack.

Then we took Flabocce camping and played with eight people.

Now I get it.

Everyone had their own color. Everyone wanted to win. And waiting for seven other people to take their turns suddenly seemed like a terrible use of a camping trip.

So we counted to three and threw together.

That’s how I found my new favorite way to play Flabocce as a large group game.

One, Two, Three… Throw.

The setup is easy. Throw out the Jack and give everyone four flabs in their own color.

We laid the Tie Breaker Tool on the ground as our throwing line and stood in a tight line behind it. Eight people, shoulder to shoulder, all looking at the same target.

Then we counted it off.

One. Two. Three.

Everyone threw one flab.

Eight colors flying toward the same Jack. Some land close. Some land nowhere near it. A shot that looks like a winner might get hit by another flab before anyone has time to celebrate.

You’ll probably celebrate anyway. Just understand that your victory speech may be interrupted.

Once everything lands, take a look at where you stand. Then count to three and throw again.

Keep going until everyone has thrown all four flabs. Keep the throwing area clear, and save the retrieving for the end.

Make Each Frame Its Own Game.

My favorite way to play this version is to make each frame a complete game.

Four throws each. Whoever has the closest eligible flab to the Jack at the end wins. Keep the usual overlap cancellation rule, so a pile of flabs still needs a little sorting out.

That’s it. You’ve got a winner.

Collect your colors, throw the Jack somewhere new, and run it back.

Feel free to play a full six-frame game and keep score. But a couple of frames can be just as fun—especially when you’re camping and someone needs to check dinner, grab a drink, or get back to doing absolutely nothing.

There’s no need to turn every game into a tournament. Sometimes you just want another chance to beat the person standing next to you.

Bring All the Colors.

What surprised me was how much I liked everyone having their own color.

You’re watching your shot, but you’re also watching seven other shots arrive at almost the same time. You start recognizing who’s close by color. You know exactly whose flab just ruined your chances.

And with a fresh game starting every frame, everyone gets another shot at winning in a few minutes.

It’s great for camping, family gatherings, backyard parties, or any time you’ve got a bunch of people who want to play together.

I originally looked at those big color orders and wondered if people were getting carried away.

After playing with eight people, I’m mostly wondering what sixteen would look like.

Grab your colors, line up behind the Tie Breaker Tool, and give it a try.

Just make sure everyone agrees that you throw on three.