Lawn Bowls Extra End Rules: Who Plays First and What If It Ties?

An extra end turns a drawn knockout match into one final tactical test. It looks like an ordinary end, but a fresh toss, the direction of play and the possibility of another tie all matter.

When is an extra end required?

In a knockout competition played over a fixed number of ends, a level score after the scheduled ends requires an extra end to decide the result. Other formats—such as sets play—use their own tie-break procedure, so do not assume every draw is settled the same way.

Who plays first?

Before the extra end, the opponents in Singles or the skips in a team game toss a coin. The winner chooses either to place the mat, deliver the jack and play first, or to give that responsibility to the opponent. The choice can be tactical if one side has a preferred direction or jack length.

Which direction is used?

The World Bowls Laws of the Sport say the extra end is played from where the previous end finished. If the wrong direction is noticed before each side has delivered a bowl, restart in the correct direction. Once both sides have played, the end continues.

What if the extra end is tied?

Another extra end is played. A new toss decides who plays first; first bowl does not simply alternate. This process continues until one side wins an extra end and therefore the game.

What if the extra end is dead?

The end is replayed under the dead-end procedure. The player or team that was first to play remains first when that end is replayed. That differs from a completed tied end, which leads to a new extra end and another toss.

Make the scoreboard part of the routine

Confirm that the scheduled game is tied, tell both sides that an extra end is beginning and record it clearly. In side games, check the event conditions because the overall side result may affect whether an individual rink continues.

Stay calm at the final head

WGTS combines digital scorekeeping with camera-assisted measurement on compatible devices, helping players review a close final head without losing the match context. Try WGTS for iPhone or WGTS for Android.

Rules note: competition conditions may define special procedures. The umpire or controlling body should settle any uncertainty before the extra end starts.