Pairs rewards a shared plan more than two separate collections of good bowls. The exact number of bowls and ends varies by competition, so check the event format first.
Lead: build options
The lead’s first aim is a repeatable draw that gives the skip a useful head. A bowl near the jack is valuable; a bowl just behind it can be valuable too. Avoid trying to force a perfect toucher with every delivery.
Skip: name the purpose
Before each bowl, decide whether the job is to add a shot, protect a favorable position, remove an opponent’s bowl or reduce the damage. Call the intended hand, weight and finishing area in a short sentence.
Use the score, not only the head
When ahead late, a safe positional bowl may be better than a high-risk drive. When behind with few ends left, the team may need a bigger scoring opportunity. Check the running total before choosing the risk level.
Review one decision between ends
Ask whether the first bowls built a usable head and whether the skip’s last choice matched the scoreboard. Change one thing at a time: jack length, preferred hand or target area.
Source: Bowls Australia Activities Handbook and Bowls England competition formats. Check your national regulations and event conditions before a competitive game.
The best pairs plan gives both players a job and leaves room to adapt after every bowl.
For a shared view of close heads, try WGTS for iPhone or WGTS for Android. Use the official measuring procedure whenever your competition requires it.