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Formats
of Play

From intimate singles duels to the full team fours — the four formats of lawn bowls explained.

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Singles

1 vs 1
Bowls per player4
Ends played21 or first to 21
Total bowls per end8
Who delivers jackWinner of last end
Typical duration~1.5 hours
Sets variation7-point sets (PBA)
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Pairs

2 vs 2
Bowls per player4
Ends played21
Total bowls per end16
PositionsLead, Skip
Typical duration~2 hours
Jack deliveryLead delivers jack
👨‍👩‍👦

Triples

3 vs 3
Bowls per player3 (or 2)
Ends played18
Total bowls per end18 (3 bowls)
PositionsLead, Second, Skip
Typical duration~2.5 hours
Variation2 bowls also common
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Fours (Rink)

4 vs 4
Bowls per player2
Ends played21
Total bowls per end16
PositionsLead, 2nd, 3rd, Skip
Typical duration~2.5–3 hours
ScorecardOrder fixed on card