Lawn bowls and crown green bowls are like two cousins—different in some ways, but with the same family resemblance at their core.
That’s why, beginner bowlers often get confused …
“What is the difference between lawn bowls and crown green bowls?”
So, let’s skim through the lawn bowl and crown green bowl differences quickly!
| Feature | Lawn Bowls | Crown Green Bowls |
| Playing Surface | Flat and smooth greens | Uneven and sloping greens |
| Bowl Size | Larger (about 17 inches in diameter) | Smaller (about 14 inches in diameter) |
| Bias | Pronounced bias | Varying levels of bias |
| Scoring System | End score system based on proximity to the jack | End score system based on the two bowls closest to the jack |
| Gameplay | Emphasis on precision and strategic planning | Adaptability and strategic adjustments due to the uneven surface |
| Objective | Roll bowls closer to the jack than your opponent’s | Roll bowls closer to the jack, while considering the uneven terrain |
| Strategic Use of Bias | Crucial for achieving desired results | Essential for managing the curving tendencies of the bowls and navigating the unpredictable terrain |
| Equipment | Wood or composite bowls | Wood, plastic, or composite bowls |
| Cost | Generally affordable and accessible | Similar to lawn bowls, with slight variations due to material choices |
In today’s blog post, we’ll explore these distinct characteristics of each game, from the playing surface to the size and bias of the bowls.
We’ll also discuss scoring, gameplay mechanics, and strategic techniques required to excel.
If you are the one who wants to deeply understand these 8 differences between lawn bowls and crown green bowls.. Let’s scroll ahead!
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Lawn Bowls vs Crown Green Bowls – 8 Ultimate Differences Explained
Let’s dive into the ultimate differences between lawn bowls and crown green bowls.
We’ll explore the playing surface, bowl size and bias, scoring and gameplay, objective, strategic use of bias, cost and equipment for both variants!
1. Playing Surface
The playing surface is a fundamental point of distinction between lawn bowls and crown green bowls.
Lawn Bowls – Flat & Smoother Surface:
In lawn bowls, the greens are well-kept to guarantee a flat and smooth surface.
This ensures precise techniques and strategic shots, allowing bowlers to depend on consistent green conditions.
Crown Green Bowls – Uneven & Sloppy Surface:
On the other hand, crown green bowls present adaptability challenges due to uneven and sloping greens.
This adds an extra layer of skill and strategy to the game, as bowlers need to master terrain navigation and adapt their precision techniques accordingly.
2. Bowl Size and Bias
In the comparison between lawn bowls and crown green bowls, one crucial distinction lies in the size and bias of the bowls used in each game.
Lawn Bowls – Larger Bowls:
In lawn bowls, the bowls are larger, approximately 17 inches in diameter, and have a pronounced bias.
This allows you to have greater control over the curve of the bowl, giving you more opportunities for strategic maneuvering.
Crown Green Bowls – Smaller Bowls:
On the other hand, crown green bowls are smaller, about 14 inches in diameter, and have varying levels of bias.
This presents a unique challenge as you navigate the different curving tendencies during the game.
Pro Tip Based on My Experience:
To excel in both games, you must master the art of bowl control, including the weight of the bowl, curve control, grip technique, shot selection, and positioning as a bowler.
3. Scoring and Gameplay
Lawn Bowls – Require Planning & Precision:
In lawn bowls, scoring strategies revolve around careful planning and precision techniques.
The predictable nature of the flat greens allows bowlers to strategize their shots and aim for specific positions on the green.
Crown Green Bowls – Require Adaptability Tactics:
On the other hand, crown green bowls require adaptability tactics due to the challenging topography.
The undulating and sloping greens pose a challenge, forcing players to adjust their shots on the fly and develop a tactical approach for each end.
4. Objective
Lawn Bowls – Roll Bowls Closer to Jack:
In lawn bowls, the objective is to roll the bowls closer to the jack than your opponent’s.
This requires a combination of tactical approaches, precise delivery techniques, and strategic bias management.
The topographical challenges on flat greens emphasize the importance of precision and planning.
Crown Green Bowls – Roll Bowls Closer to Jack (More Challenging):
On the other hand, crown green bowls also aim to get the bowls closer to the jack, but the undulating greens introduce a whole new level of complexity.
Players must adapt to the unpredictable terrain, constantly adjusting their strategies to navigate the ever-changing contours.
5. Strategic Use of Bias
Strategic positioning is key in both sports, as players aim to manipulate the bias of the bowls to achieve their desired results.
But,
Bowlers must adapt their tactics to control the curving tendencies of the bowls and navigate the unpredictable terrain.
This requires quick thinking and adaptability tactics to make the necessary adjustments during the game.
Pro Tip Based on My Experience:
The ability to master the use of bias is a vital skill that separates the successful bowlers from the rest, allowing them to gain an advantage and secure victory.
6. The Art of Bowl Control
Different bowling techniques are required for each variant due to the adaptability needed on the terrain.
Lawn Bowls – Smooth & Controlled Delivery:
In lawn bowls, with its smooth and flat greens, you must focus on a smooth and controlled delivery to ensure accuracy.
Crown Green Bowls – Adaptable Approach:
On the other hand, crown green bowls, with their uneven and sloping greens, demand a more adaptable approach.
7. Equipment
There are 5 main differences between lawn bowl & crown green bowl material.
| Bowl Feature | Lawn Bowls | Crown Green Bowls |
| Material | Wood | Wood, plastic, or composites |
| Maintenance | Regular polishing and waxing | Less maintenance required |
| Weight Distribution | Evenly weighted | Biased towards one side |
| Grip Variations | Wider variety of options, including dimples or rings | Uniform grip pattern |
| Customization Options | Personal engravings or colors | Standardized appearance |
8. Cost
When it comes to cost comparison, both sports are generally affordable and accessible to enthusiasts.
Yet, equipment expenses may vary slightly between the two.
Lawn bowls often feature traditional wooden construction, while crown green bowls may incorporate modern materials like plastic or composites for increased durability.
These material choices can contribute to price variations.
Ultimately, the cost of either lawn bowls or crown green bowls shouldn’t be a significant burden.
Rules Differentiation: Lawn Bowls vs Crown Green Bowls
While lawn bowls and crown green bowls share the common objective of rolling bowls closer to the jack than the opponent’s, the specific rules governing gameplay differ between the two variants based on – delivery, bias, and scoring.
1. Delivery
The delivery technique in lawn bowls requires a smooth, controlled roll underarm, with the bowler’s foot remaining on the mat until the bowl has been released.
Whereas, crown green bowls allow for a slight lift of the foot off the mat before the bowl is released, providing more flexibility in adapting to the uneven surface.
2. Bias
Bias, the curved shape of the bowls, plays a significant role in both lawn bowls and crown green bowls, allowing for strategic shots and precise control of the bowl’s trajectory.
However, the importance of bias differs between the two variants.
In lawn bowls, bias is a tool for precise control and strategic shots, as the flat greens provide a predictable surface for the bowls to roll on.
Crown green bowlers, on the other hand, must carefully consider the unevenness of the green and the bias of their bowls to execute effective shots.
3. Scoring
Both lawn bowls and crown green bowls employ an end score system, where points are awarded based on the proximity of bowls to the jack at the end of each end.
However, there is a slight difference in the scoring system between the two variants.
In lawn bowls, points are awarded for each bowl that is closer to the jack than the opponent’s closest bowl.
In crown green bowls, only the two bowls closest to the jack are counted for scoring.
Closing Words
In conclusion, lawn bowls and crown green bowls may share similarities as variants of the same sport, but they have distinct characteristics that make them unique.
While lawn bowls are popular globally, crown green bowls maintain a strong regional presence.
An interesting statistic to note is that lawn bowls is estimated to have over 50 million players worldwide, showcasing its widespread appeal and popularity.
So whether you prefer the precision of lawn bowls or the strategic challenge of crown green bowls, both offer enjoyable experiences for bowlers of all levels.
FAQs Related to Difference Between Lawn Bowls and Crown Green Bowls:
1. What are lawn bowls made of?
Lawn bowls are typically made of a composite material called phenolic resin.
2. How many bowls are in a lawn bowl?
A lawn bowl set usually consists of four bowls.
3. How many balls are in a crown green bowl?
A crown green bowl set usually consists of two balls.
4. How can you tell a green crown bowl?
Crown green bowls are typically smaller, made of modern materials like plastic, and feature a uniform appearance with a pronounced bias for a distinct curved roll.
5. What is the difference between lawn bowls and indoor bowls?
The main difference between lawn bowls and indoor bowls is the playing surface. Lawn bowls are played on a grass or synthetic surface, while indoor bowls are played on a flat carpet-like surface.