Bowls Rules: A Comprehensive Guide with FAQs
Bowls, also known as lawn bowls, is a sport that involves rolling slightly asymmetrical balls (called bowls) towards a smaller target ball, known as the jack. The aim is to get your bowls closer to the jack than your opponent's. Bowls is traditionally played on a rectangular, flat, or gently sloping grass or artificial surface, known as a green.
The game is popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth nations, and it can be played by people of all ages and abilities, both socially and competitively. This guide will break down the rules of the game, equipment, how it’s scored, and common FAQs.
Overview of Bowls
- Objective: The primary goal in bowls is to roll your bowls closer to the jack than your opponents. Players or teams take turns delivering their bowls, and points are awarded based on whose bowls are closest to the jack at the end of each round, called an "end."
- Number of Players: Bowls can be played as:
- Singles (1 vs 1)
- Pairs (2 vs 2)
- Triples (3 vs 3)
- Fours (4 vs 4)
Equipment in Bowls
Bowls (Balls):
- Bowls are not perfectly round; they are biased, meaning they are slightly asymmetrical, which causes them to curve as they roll.
- Each bowl is marked with a small side (the bias side) and a large side (non-bias).
The Jack:
- The jack is a small, white or yellow ball that serves as the target. Players aim to get their bowls as close to the jack as possible.
The Green:
- Bowls is played on a green, which can be made of natural grass or an artificial surface.
- The green is divided into lanes or rinks, and each match takes place within these rinks.
Measuring Equipment:
- Sometimes a measuring tape is used to determine which bowl is closer to the jack when it's unclear.
Basic Rules of Bowls
1. Setting Up the Game
- The game begins with one player delivering the jack. The jack is rolled out onto the green, and it must travel at least 23 meters (75 feet) to be considered a valid roll.
- Once the jack is set in place, players take turns delivering their bowls, aiming to get them as close to the jack as possible.
2. Delivering the Bowls
- Players take turns delivering their bowls.
- A standard game of bowls consists of two sets with each player/team delivering a set number of bowls.
- The bowl must be rolled, not thrown. Due to the bias of the bowl, it curves as it slows down, requiring players to account for this curve in their delivery.
3. Playing an End
- Each round is called an end. In each end, all players deliver their bowls, and once all bowls are delivered, points are scored based on the positions of the bowls relative to the jack.
- At the conclusion of each end, the player or team whose bowls are closest to the jack scores points. The more bowls they have closer to the jack than their opponent's nearest bowl, the more points they score.
4. Scoring in Bowls
- Points are awarded at the conclusion of each end.
- A player or team scores one point for every bowl they have that is closer to the jack than their opponent's nearest bowl.
- The number of ends varies by competition, but common formats include 18 ends or 21 ends in singles play.
- In some variations, the game is played to a specific score, such as 21 points, rather than a set number of ends.
5. Completing a Set
- In matches with sets, players must win two sets to win the overall match. Each set is played to a fixed number of ends or a target score, such as 7 points per set.
6. Playing Tactics
- Draw shot: A delivery where the player aims to roll the bowl so that it stops as close as possible to the jack.
- Drive shot: A fast delivery aimed at knocking the opponent’s bowls or the jack out of position.
- Block shot: A delivery aimed to stop short of the jack in order to block the opponent's line to the jack.
Variations of Bowls
Singles:
- One player competes against another. Each player uses four bowls per end in traditional play.
Pairs:
- Two players per team. Each player delivers four bowls per end.
Triples:
- Three players per team. Each player delivers three bowls per end.
Fours:
- Four players per team. Each player delivers two bowls per end.
Indoor Bowls:
- Indoor bowls is played on a carpeted surface indoors. The rules are largely the same as outdoor bowls but adapted for a smaller playing surface.
Crown Green Bowls:
- In crown green bowls, the green is uneven, adding an additional challenge. This variant is primarily played in the UK.
Key Fouls and Violations
Foot Fault:
- Players must deliver their bowl from the designated mat. If a player steps off the mat before delivering the bowl, this is a foul.
Burnt End:
- If the jack is knocked out of bounds by a bowl, the end is either replayed or declared a "dead end," depending on the competition rules.
Jack or Bowl Out of Bounds:
- If the jack or a bowl goes out of bounds (off the rink), they are no longer in play.
Touchers:
- Bowls that touch the jack are called touchers and are marked with chalk. Touchers remain in play even if they later go into the ditch, as long as they touched the jack before doing so.
FAQs about Bowls
1. How do you score in bowls?
Scoring in bowls is based on how many of your team's bowls are closer to the jack than your opponent’s closest bowl. Each bowl closer to the jack earns your team 1 point. The team with the most points after the predetermined number of ends or sets wins.
2. What happens if the jack goes out of bounds?
If the jack goes out of bounds (either being knocked or rolled off the green), the end is typically declared a burnt end, and the jack is repositioned in a set location, or the end is replayed. In some variations, the end is declared dead.
3. Can the jack be moved during play?
Yes, the jack can be moved by bowls during play. In fact, tactical players often attempt to move the jack to create a more favorable position for their team.
4. How does the bias on the bowls work?
The bias causes the bowl to curve as it slows down. Players must account for this curve when aiming, meaning they typically do not aim directly at the jack but instead aim to one side to allow the bowl to curve toward the target.
5. How many bowls does each player use?
In singles, each player typically uses four bowls per end. In team formats (pairs, triples, or fours), the number of bowls per player is reduced to accommodate all team members (e.g., three bowls per player in triples and two in fours).
6. What is the role of the skip in team formats?
In team formats, the skip is the captain and usually the most experienced player. The skip gives instructions to their teammates and plays the final bowl in each end.
7. Is bowls a physically demanding sport?
Bowls is a relatively low-impact sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and fitness levels. It requires focus, strategy, and skill rather than physical strength or endurance.
8. What is a drive shot in bowls?
A drive shot is a fast, forceful shot aimed at displacing the jack or knocking opponent’s bowls out of scoring position. It is a high-risk, high-reward shot used in tactical situations.
9. Can bowls be played indoors?
Yes, bowls can be played indoors on a specially designed carpeted surface. Indoor bowls follows the same basic rules as outdoor bowls, but with a smaller playing area.
10. How long does a game of bowls last?
The duration of a bowls game depends on the format. A typical game can last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of ends played and the speed of play.
Conclusion
Bowls is a sport that combines strategy, precision, and skill. Its versatility allows people of all ages to play, whether in a competitive or social setting. Understanding the basic rules, scoring system, and strategic elements will enhance both your enjoyment of playing and watching this classic game. With its accessible nature and easy-to-follow rules, bowls is a fantastic sport for those looking for a balance of fun and challenge.
