Lawn bowls can be played as individuals or in teams of two, three, or four. Each format has different numbers of bowls per player, different end counts, and a different tactical feel. Every game is always between two sides on a single rink.
Players per Side
1
Bowls per Player
4
Total Bowls / End
8
Standard Length
First to 21 shots (not ends-based)
Players alternate, each delivering one bowl at a time until all 4 have been played.
Sets play: 2 sets of 9 ends, tiebreaker of 3 ends
A non-playing marker assists by centring the jack, marking touchers, and answering distance questions. Singles is the purest test of individual skill.
Players per Side
2
Bowls per Player
4
Total Bowls / End
16
Standard Length
21 ends (championship)
Lead A, Lead B, Lead A, Lead B (each delivers all 4), then Skip A, Skip B, Skip A, Skip B.
Often 15 or 18 ends for social/club play
Total shots across all ends determine the winner. With 4 bowls each, there is plenty of room for both draw and tactical play.
Players per Side
3
Bowls per Player
3
Total Bowls / End
18
Standard Length
18 ends (championship)
Each player delivers all 3 of their bowls before the next player begins. Lead A, Lead B, Second A, Second B, Skip A, Skip B.
Often 15 ends for social play. 2-bowl triples is a faster variation (6 bowls per team per end).
In triples there is no dedicated "Third/Vice-Skip" position. The second player performs some vice-skip duties (measuring, communicating).
Players per Side
4
Bowls per Player
2
Total Bowls / End
16
Standard Length
21 ends (championship)
Lead A, Lead B, Second A, Second B, Third A, Third B, Skip A, Skip B -- each delivering both their bowls before the next pair begins.
Often 15 or 18 ends for social/club play
This is the traditional team format and the basis of pennant (league) competition. With only 2 bowls each, every delivery matters -- there is less margin for error.
The format you play depends on how many players show up. Here are common configurations:
| Players | Format | Teams | Rinks Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 game of Pairs | 2 teams of 2 | 1 |
| 6 | 1 game of Triples | 2 teams of 3 | 1 |
| 8 | 1 game of Fours | 2 teams of 4 | 1 |
| 8 | 2 games of Pairs | 4 teams of 2 | 2 |
| 12 | 2 games of Triples | 4 teams of 3 | 2 |
| 16 | 2 games of Fours | 4 teams of 4 | 2 |
| 16 | 4 games of Pairs | 8 teams of 2 | 4 |
| 24 | 4 games of Triples | 8 teams of 3 | 4 |
| 24 | 3 games of Fours | 6 teams of 4 | 3 |
Beyond formal competition, clubs run a variety of social formats designed to mix players, keep things fun, and accommodate different numbers.
Players arrive and put their name in. At start time, teams are drawn randomly. The organizer determines the format based on how many players showed up. Teams are assigned to rinks, also randomly.
3 or 4 games of 7-8 ends each. After each game, teams are re-drawn so everyone plays with and against different people. Individual scores are tallied across all games -- the player with the highest cumulative score wins.
Players choose their own partner rather than being drawn randomly. Typically played as pairs. May be organized as a one-day tournament or a regular club event. One of the most popular social bowls formats.
Many social formats use 2 bowls per player regardless of team size to speed up play. A 2-bowl triples game averages about 40 minutes. Reduces time commitment and keeps the pace lively.