How is a game of bowls won?
B · Beginner · The game · 4 of 4A game is won by the higher total of shots, ends or sets, as the conditions of play say. In a knockout game with a set number of ends, a level score means an extra end, and more if needed. In tournaments and series, games won, net shots and points decide. A knockout stops once the trailing side cannot win.
How it works
- One game: highest shots, most ends won, most sets or a mix, as the conditions say.
- Singles to 21: at world events, singles is the first to 21 shots; shots over 21 do not count.
- Time limits: the game ends when an end in progress at the limit is finished.
- Knockout ties: an extra end, from where the last end finished; a coin toss decides who plays first.
- Still tied: another extra end, with another toss.
- No hopeless play: in a knockout, play stops when a side cannot win with the ends left.
- Tournaments and series: games won or net total of shots; then three points for a win and one for a draw; then shots for divided by shots against.
- Score cards: skips record and agree scores each end and sign at the end.
The glossary has the extra end, the net total of shots, the game result, the score card, the format of play and the forfeited game.
Tricky cases
A singles player on 19 scores four shots. What is the final score?
- Shots over 21 do not count.
Scores are level after 18 ends in a league game. Is there an extra end?
Not by the laws, which require one only in knockouts. League ties are left to the conditions of play.
Who plays first in an extra end?
The winner of a coin toss decides.
A side is 12 behind with two ends left in a fours knockout. Must they finish?
Yes. A side has eight bowls in fours, so it can score up to eight shots an end, and 16 in two ends could still win. Play stops only when winning is impossible.
Why the rule exists
Letting each competition pick its measure of victory suits its format. The extra end settles a knockout on the green, not by a count-back.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One game | Shots, ends or sets | WB Law 26 |
| Tournaments | Wins, net shots, points | WB Law 27 |
| Knockout tie | Extra end | WB Law 28 |
| Sets play | A three-end tie-breaker | WB Law 56.2 |
From the rule book
World Bowls, Laws of the Sport of Bowls, Crystal Mark Fourth Edition (August 2022), Laws 26 to 28, 40.1.7 and 55. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Bowls Laws of the Sport of Bowls.