Lawn Bowling Rules

Lawn Bowling Rules

Learn how to play Lawn Bowling with our easy-to-follow rules. Whether you're playing in the backyard, at the park, or on the beach, this classic outdoor game is simple to set up and fun for all ages.

What You'll Need

• 10 lawn bowling pins
• 2 bowling balls
• A relatively flat playing surface
• 2 or more players

Setup

Arrange the 10 pins in a traditional 10-pin triangular formation (4–3–2–1).

Place the pins approximately 4 inches apart on a relatively flat playing surface.

Mark a starting line approximately 12–15 feet from the front pin. For younger players or smaller spaces, move the starting line closer.

Players may compete individually or divide into teams. Choose a playing order before beginning.

How To Play

1. Choose a player or team to go first.
2. The first player rolls a ball toward the pins.
3. Remove any pins knocked down after the first roll.
4. If pins remain standing, the player rolls the second ball.
5. Record the player's score for the frame and reset all 10 pins.
6. Continue to the next player in the agreed rotation.
7. Play continues for 10 frames. The player or team with the highest total score wins.

For a shorter, more casual game, players can agree on fewer rounds before beginning.

Scoring

Each pin knocked down is worth 1 point.

A player receives up to two rolls per frame to knock down all 10 pins.

Open Frame

An open frame occurs when pins remain standing after both rolls. The player's score for that frame is the total number of pins knocked down.

Strike

A strike occurs when all 10 pins are knocked down on the first roll. A strike scores 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down on the player's next two rolls.

Spare

A spare occurs when all remaining pins are knocked down on the second roll. A spare scores 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down on the player's next roll.

The 10th Frame

If a player rolls a strike on the first roll of the 10th frame, they receive two additional rolls. If they roll a spare, they receive one additional roll.

The maximum possible score is 300.

How to Win

After 10 frames, add each player or team's total score.

The player or team with the highest total score wins.

For casual play, you can shorten the game by agreeing on fewer frames before beginning.

Beginner Tips

• Play on the flattest surface available.
• Roll the ball smoothly instead of throwing it.
• Aim toward the center of the pin formation.
• Adjust the throwing distance for younger players.
• Shorten the number of frames for a quicker game.
• Try different ways to play once you've mastered the basics.

Bring a Classic Game Outdoors

Shop the Elakai Lawn Bowling Set, crafted from beautifully finished Hevea hardwood and designed for backyards, parks, beaches, and gatherings.

Shop Lawn Bowling