The jack is small, but almost every decision in lawn bowls depends on where it finishes. Understanding a few distances and outcomes makes the start—and the occasional chaos—of an end much easier to follow.

Starting the end

The player to play first places the mat on the centre line and delivers the jack. The mat line must be at least 2 metres from the rear ditch. Once delivered and centred, the jack must be at least 23 metres from the mat line and at least 2 metres from the front ditch.

If the jack is delivered incorrectly, the opponent normally gets the opportunity to deliver it. If both players or teams fail, the jack is placed at the position defined by the Laws while the original first player still delivers the first bowl. Event conditions can modify how dead ends or re-spots are handled, so always check them.

Can the jack move during an end?

Yes. A bowl can push, trail or drive the jack into a new position. That movement is part of the game's strategy. A legal displaced jack generally remains live while it is within the rink of play and satisfies the relevant minimum-distance rules.

If a rebound leaves the jack less than 20 metres from the mat line, the end is dead under the standard Law. If it passes completely outside the rink boundaries, it is also dead unless the event uses an approved re-spotting condition.

What if the jack goes into the ditch?

A jack driven into the front ditch can remain live if it finishes within the side boundaries of the rink of play. Its position is indicated on the bank so everyone can see where the target lies, even when the jack itself is difficult to view from the mat.

Only live bowls can count. A marked toucher may remain live in the ditch; an ordinary non-toucher that finishes there is dead. That is why chalk marks and ditch indicators matter.

Quick jack checklist

  • Mat line at least 2 metres from the rear ditch.

  • Delivered jack at least 23 metres from the mat line.

  • Centred jack at least 2 metres from the front ditch.

  • Driven jack can remain live in the ditch within the rink boundaries.

  • Check the event conditions for re-spots, dead ends and domestic variations.

When the target moves, keep the view clear

A moving jack can turn a simple head into a close call. WGTS helps players compare the visible bowls and jack from one camera-assisted view during everyday play. Download WGTS on the App Store or Google Play, and defer to official equipment and the umpire where required.