A lawn bowls handicap game gives players different starting scores so people of different experience levels can compete in one event. The handicap changes the match score, not the distance from a bowl to the jack. There is no single starting-score table for every club: the event’s own conditions decide the allocation and the target.

What is a handicap in bowls?

A club committee or selectors may assess each player and assign a starting score. Canberra North Bowling Club describes open handicap singles and pairs in which newer bowlers ordinarily receive a higher handicap and begin on that number instead of zero. Other clubs use negative starting scores or adjust both players’ numbers so one starts at zero. Those are local competition choices, so read the draw and conditions rather than applying another club’s formula.

A worked 21-shot example

Suppose the event is first to 21 and the published handicap gives Alex a starting score of 7 and Sam a starting score of 2. Before the first end, the card reads 7–2. Alex needs 14 more shots to reach 21; Sam needs 19. If Alex wins two shots on the first end, the running score becomes 9–2. Every later end is counted in the normal way. This example explains the arithmetic, not a universal handicap rule.

What should players confirm before the first bowl?

  • The starting score for each player or team and who set it.

  • Whether the event is first to a target, a fixed number of ends, or timed.

  • Whether a score above the target is capped, and how ties are settled.

  • Whether pairs handicaps are added or calculated another way.

  • Which official or match committee resolves a disagreement.

Write the starting scores on the card before play so the result does not depend on memory. Our scorecard guide covers recording each end and the running total.

Does handicap change the Laws of Bowls?

A handicap is a competition format rule. Players still need to follow the applicable Laws of the Sport and the event’s conditions for delivery, live bowls, measuring and the conduct of play. If two documents appear to disagree, ask the controlling body before the match starts.

Sources: Canberra North new starter’s kit; Sorell Bowls Club bylaws and handicap examples; World Bowls Laws of the Sport.

Keep a useful record of your next game with WGTS on iPhone or Android. For competition decisions, follow the event conditions and the appointed official.