Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to play bowls?
Lawn Bowling is quite easy to play to a reasonable standard. Like many sports, it requires skill and practice to play it consistently at a higher level.
What is the goal in Bowls?
To get your team’s bowls closer to the jack than your opponent’s bowls. If your team has the two nearest bowls to the jack, and one of the opposition’s bowls is the next nearest, you score 2 shots.
What is the ‘jack’?
A small white or yellow target ball that is rolled out at the start of each end.
What equipment do I need to play?
You will need a set of (four) bowls. Bowls come in sizes from 00 up to 5 to suit all hand sizes. Different makes and models of bowls have different biases (see next answer). New members can initially avail of the many sets of Club bowls so they can try out the different sizes and types of bowls. When you find a bowl that you like, you can buy your own set. Other Club members can help you to find a suitable bowl plus advise you on how to buy your own set. Sometimes members will have a used set of bowls for sale.
You will also need flat shoes (preferably proper bowling shoes, which are easily bought in Ireland or online).
What is a ‘bias’?
Bowls are shaped to be heavier on one side which is called the bias side. This makes them curve as they slow down, rather than travel in a straight line. Some bowls have a heavy bias so they bend more. Medium bias bowls have less bend, while lighter bias bowls take a more gentle curve.
What is an ‘end’?
Rolling the jack and all the players’ bowls in one direction on the rink completes one end. In the next end the play is in the opposite direction.
How many ends are there in a game of Bowls?
League matches are usually played over 14, 16 or 18 ends. Pairs, Triples and Rinks (fours) championships are usually played over 18 ends. Singles matches are not determined by ends but when one player reaches the target score - usually 21 shots.How many people are there on a team?
League teams usually have two to four rinks of four players.
Are bowling greens all the same?
There are two types of bowling greens - grass or synthetic. A grass green is usually much heavier i.e. you have to release your bowl with more speed to reach your target. Grass green seasons mostly run from April to September as they have to be rested and maintained over the colder, wetter time of year. Synthetic greens need maintenance too but they can be used all year round. Dun Laoghaire Bowling Club has a synthetic green.