Lawn Bowling Scoring Explained: How Points Work in Lawn Bowls

The Basics of Lawn Bowling Scoring

Scoring in lawn bowling is beautifully simple at its core: the team (or player) with the bowl closest to the jack at the end of each end scores points. But there are important details that every bowler needs to understand.

This guide explains exactly how scoring works, with examples and variations across different game formats.

What Is an "End"?

An end is a single round of play. It works like this:

1. 1A player delivers the jack (the small white target ball) to set the target distance.
2. 2All players deliver their bowls alternately, trying to get as close to the jack as possible.
3. 3Once all bowls have been delivered, the end is scored.
4. 4Players walk to the other end of the green and play the next end in the opposite direction.

A typical game consists of 15-21 ends for singles, or 14-18 ends for team games, though this varies by competition.

How Scoring Works

The Count

After all bowls have been delivered in an end, the scoring is determined by measuring which bowls are closest to the jack:

1. 1Identify the closest bowl to the jack. The team that owns this bowl scores.
2. 2Count how many of that team's bowls are closer to the jack than the nearest opposing bowl. Each of these bowls scores one point (called a "shot").
3. 3The opposing team scores zero for that end.

Examples

Example 1: One-shot end

Imagine the following situation at the end of an end:

• Team A's closest bowl is 30cm from the jack.
• Team B's closest bowl is 25cm from the jack.
• Team B scores 1 shot (one bowl closer than Team A's nearest).

Example 2: Three-shot end

• Team A has 3 bowls closer to the jack than any of Team B's bowls.
• Team A scores 3 shots.

Example 3: A "count" of four

• In a fours game, Team A has all four of their nearest bowls closer than Team B's closest bowl.
• Team A scores 4 shots -- a very strong end.

The Maximum Score per End

The maximum number of shots you can score in a single end equals the number of bowls you delivered:

Scoring all your bowls in a single end is called a "full house" or "maximum" -- it is rare and exciting.

Measuring

When to Measure

When the naked eye cannot determine which bowl is closer to the jack, players use a string measure (a retractable tape measure designed for bowls).

Who Measures?

• In team games, the thirds (vice-skips) are responsible for agreeing the score and conducting measurements. The thirds from both teams should measure together.
• In singles, the players themselves measure, or an umpire can be called.

Disputes

If the thirds cannot agree on a measurement, they call a qualified umpire to make the final decision. The umpire's decision is final.

Dead Heat

If a measurement shows that two opposing bowls are exactly the same distance from the jack (a dead heat), neither bowl counts. The remaining closer bowls (if any) still count as normal.

Keeping Score

The Scoreboard

Most clubs display scores on a scoreboard visible to all players and spectators:

• Traditional scoreboards use numbered cards that hang on hooks.
• Digital scoreboards and apps (like Lawnbowling) are increasingly common.

The Scorecard

The official record of the game is the scorecard, filled out by the thirds:

• Each end is numbered (End 1, End 2, etc.).
• The number of shots scored by each team is recorded for each end.
• A running total is maintained.
• Both thirds should sign the scorecard at the end of the match.

Winning Conditions

How a game is won depends on the format and competition rules:

Set Number of Ends

The most common format: play a fixed number of ends, and the team with the highest total score wins.

First to a Target Score

In some singles competitions, the game is played until one player reaches a target score (e.g., first to 21 shots). This format can produce shorter or longer games depending on scoring.

Timed Games

Some social and league formats use a time limit (e.g., 2 hours). The team ahead when the time expires wins. Often, the end in progress is completed.

Ties

If scores are tied after the prescribed number of ends:

• In some competitions, an extra end is played to determine the winner.
• In league play, a tie may stand, with both teams receiving a share of the points.
• In knockout rounds, extra ends continue until there is a winner.

Special Scoring Situations

Dead Ends

An end is declared dead if:

• The jack is knocked into the ditch (in most rule sets, this kills the end).
• The jack is knocked off the rink (out of the side boundaries).

When an end is dead, it is either replayed or scored as a draw (zero each), depending on the competition rules.

Touchers

A toucher is a bowl that touches the jack during its initial delivery. Touchers are marked with chalk and have special status:

• A toucher that ends up in the ditch is still "alive" and counts for scoring.
• A non-toucher that enters the ditch is dead and removed from play.
• This rule adds a fascinating tactical dimension -- a toucher in the ditch can be the closest bowl to the jack if the jack is also in the ditch.

Jack in the Ditch

If the jack is knocked into the ditch (but stays within the rink boundaries), play continues:

• The jack remains where it stops in the ditch.
• Touchers in the ditch are measured against the jack's position.
• Non-touchers in the ditch are dead and do not count.

Scoring Across Different Formats

Singles

• Each player delivers 4 bowls alternately.
• The game is typically first to 21 shots or played over 21-25 ends.
• Only 2 players are involved, making measurement straightforward.

Pairs

• Each player delivers 4 bowls, so 8 bowls per team.
• Typically played over 18 ends.
• Big scoring ends (3-4 shots) are common because there are more bowls in the head.

Triples

• Each player delivers 3 bowls, so 9 bowls per team.
• Typically played over 18 ends.
• The thirds measure and agree the score.

Fours

• Each player delivers 2 bowls, so 8 bowls per team.
• Typically played over 15-18 ends.
• The most common format for club pennant and interclub competition.

Tips for Scoring Accurately

1. 1Do not touch any bowls until the score is agreed. Moving a bowl prematurely can make it impossible to determine the true score.
2. 2Use a measure for any close shots. Do not guess. Even experienced bowlers misjudge distances.
3. 3Both thirds should agree before recording the score. If in doubt, call an umpire.
4. 4Update the scoreboard promptly after each end so spectators and skips can see the running score.
5. 5Use a scoring app like Lawnbowling to keep accurate digital records that can be shared with your club.

Ready to Start Scoring?

Now that you understand how scoring works, learn the full rules of lawn bowling or find a club near you to start playing. If you are already playing, sign up to track your scores digitally and see your improvement over time.