Setup
Players
- 2-8 players
- Singles 1v1, couples, teams of three, or two teams of four
Materials
- Bowls of different weights/sizes to accommodate all players.
- Jack, a small white target ball, also known as a “kitty,” marks the point players aim for with their bowls.
- Mat: A small mat to deliver bowls, official rules state that it must be 600mm long and 360mm wide.
- Scoreboard for keeping track.
Scoring
- Each lawn player/team scores points for the number of bowls which are closer to the jack versus their opponents.
- For example: if a trio has two bowls closer to the jack than the opposing team, they score two points.
Additional Setup Notes
- Remember to pack hats, sunscreen, and refreshments if you’re playing outdoors on a hot day!
Objective
In a game of lawn bowling, players aim to bowl their balls closest to the Jack, the target ball, to take home the points for that round.
Gameplay
Lawn bowling is an outdoor game played on rectangles called “rinks,” might appear simpler than it truly is. While it certainly is more laid-back than classic bowling, it still calls for strategy, skill, and competition.
Here’s how lawn bowling typically progresses, along with key roles and actions:
- If you’re playing in teams, you’ll have two key roles: the “lead,” who begins each round by rolling the first bowl, and the “skip,” who analyzes the rink and guides the team’s overall approach, especially with the final, crucial bowls.
- The vertical stretches of the rink are designated as “ends,” and each end sees both teams take turns rolling all their bowls towards a small white target ball called the “jack” or sometimes the “kitty”. The objective is to inch your bowls as close to the jack as possible, preferably closer than the opposing bowls.
- Scoring in lawn bowling is quite simple. After all bowls have been rolled in an end, one point is awarded for each bowl that sits closer to the jack than any opponent’s bowl.
The game begins with a coin toss, granting the winning team the choice of starting end. The lead places a small mat for stability and rolls the jack towards the other end. The jack must travel at least 23 meters before it is considered in play. Once it stops rolling, it is repositioned to the center of the rink, marking the start of the actual round of lawn bowling.
Scoring and determining a winner vary slightly depending on the number of players. Singles matches conclude when one player reaches 21 points, while pairs and triples matches span 18 ends. Teams of four matches, featuring two full teams of four players each, play out over 15 ends.
Endgame
A game of lawn bowling comes to an end once a player or team reaches the point threshold corresponding to the amount of players in the game.
Lawn Bowling Variations and Alternate Rules
Short mat bowling is a compact version of lawn bowling played indoors on a shorter mat. The dimensions of the playing area are smaller, requiring unique techniques and strategies compared to the classic version of this game.
Lawn Bowling Tips & Strategy
Focus on proper stance and delivery to ensure an accurate bowl release. Precision is crucial for winning a game of lawn bowling, so practice your aim and delivery.
Strategic shot selection can also help you win the game. Analyze where the opponent’s bowls are positioned in relation to the jack, and adjust accordingly. Lawn bowls are curved, and choosing the right one for each shot will increase control.
Effective teamwork is crucial in pairs or triples versions of lawn bowling. Discuss tactics, shot preferences, and potential challenges with your teammate(s).
FAQs
Can you play lawn bowling indoors?
While typically played outdoors, there are indoor venues to play lawn bowling.
What do you need to play lawn bowling?
You need a jack, bowls, a mat, and a flat grass surface.
How do you win a game of lawn bowling?
You’ll be most likely to win by strategically aiming your bowls to reach the jack as close as possible to score points each round.
