In a common lawn bowls singles format, two opponents play four bowls each, taking turns. The closest bowl to the jack scores one shot, and each additional bowl from that player nearer than the opponent’s closest bowl scores another. The first player to reach 21 shots wins. The score is the total of shots across ends, not the number of ends won.
How do you score one end?
Wait until both players have delivered their required bowls and the head is ready to be decided. Identify the bowl nearest the jack. That player scores one shot for every one of their bowls closer than the opponent’s nearest bowl. For example, if your two closest bowls are inside your opponent’s best bowl, you score two shots. If the opposing bowls are closer, you score zero on that end. Agree the result before moving the head.
A close end may need a proper measure. Our step-by-step measuring guide explains how to protect the positions before deciding the shot.
Why does the score stop at 21?
For World Bowls world and international singles formats, the Laws allow 21 shots, sets play, or another format decided beforehand. In a 21-shot game, shots beyond 21 are not counted. If a player starts an end on 19 and lies three shots, the winning score is recorded as 21 rather than 22. The match ends when that end is decided.
What about tied ends or different club rules?
When the two nearest bowls cannot be separated, the end may be tied and neither side adds a shot. A club event may use a different target, a set format or a time limit. Check the published conditions before starting; do not assume every singles game is identical to the standard 21-shot example.
A simple scorekeeping routine
Record the end number and shots won by one player.
Add those shots to that player’s running total; leave the opponent’s total unchanged.
Confirm both running totals before the next end.
At the target score, apply any cap or match-end rule stated in the conditions.
For a paper example, see how to fill in a lawn bowls scorecard. The scorecard should make the next-end total obvious to both players.
Sources: World Bowls, The Sport of Bowls; World Bowls Laws, formats of play; Australian Open match format.
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.