Types of Game
Lawn bowls is a wonderful game to play with up to seven other players. In a 'roll up' or practice session you can play against or with a number of players, and a game already under way will most certainly welcome you to join them.
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Here's a summary of the types of game we play in lawn bowls:
Singles
A singles game takes place between two players (A&B). Each player can play four bowls, played one at a time and alternating with their opponent (ABABABAB).
Once eight bowls have been delivered all bowls nearest the jack of one individual player will be awarded points (so a maximum of four points can be scored). The game will continue until a player reaches 21 points - they are the winner!
Pairs
A pairs game takes place between four players - two players for each team (AB&CD). Each player can play four bowls, played one at a time between opposing pairs (ACACACACBDBDBDBD).
Once all 16 bowls have been delivered all bowls nearest the jack of one team will be awarded points (so a maximum of eight points can be scored). The game will continue until 21 ends have been played, at which point the team with the most points is declared the winner.
Triples
A triples game takes place between 6 players - three players for each team (ABC&DEF). Each player can play three bowls, played one at a time between opposing pairs (ADADADBEBEBECFCFCF).
Once all 18 bowls have been delivered all bowls nearest the jack of one team will be awarded points (maximum of nine points can be scored). The game will continue until 18 ends have been played, at which point the team with the most points is declared the winner.
Fours
A fours game takes place between eight players - four players for each team. Each player can play two bowls, played one at a time between opposing pairs (AEAEBFBFCGCGDHDH).
When all 16 shots have been made all bowls nearest the jack of one team will be awarded points (maximum of eight points can be scored). The game will continue until 21 ends have been played, at which point the team with the most points is declared the winner.
75s
75s is a fun game for beginners as both teams can receive points at each end. In this game, often played as a singles game, all bowls are played in the usual fashion and the four closest bowls to the jack will be awarded points.
The closest is awarded 4 points, the next 3, the next 2, and the next 1. So, ten points are available at each end. The game continues until one player reaches 75. A tie? Keep playing until a player takes the lead.