If you are new to the world of lawn bowls, you might assume that a bowling green is just a bowling green. However, in the UK, the sport is split into two distinct codes: flat green and crown green bowls. They look similar from a distance, but they are fundamentally different games with unique challenges, rules, and, most importantly, equipment.
This guide is for anyone trying to understand the difference between the two formats. Whether you are a complete beginner trying to join a local club or an experienced player considering trying the other code, knowing these differences is crucial before you invest in equipment.
The Playing Surface and How It Changes the Game
The most significant difference is right there in the name: the green itself.
Flat Green Bowls: This is the version of the sport played internationally and is the most common format across most of the UK. The playing surface, or 'rink', is a perfectly level, rectangular strip. Play is typically up and down the same straight line for the duration of a match. The challenge comes from delivering the bowl with the correct weight and line to account for the bias.
Crown Green Bowls: This format is most popular in the North of England and parts of Wales. The playing surface is a large square green that features a 'crown' or hump in the middle, which can be up to 12-15 inches higher than the edges. The game is played all over the green, from corner to corner, and the jack can be sent anywhere. Players must contend not only with the bias of their bowl but also with the undulations of the green, making it a game of constant tactical adjustment.
Bowls Differences: Shape, Bias, and Feel
The different playing surfaces demand very different types of bowls. You cannot use a set of flat green bowls for a competitive crown green game, and vice versa.
Flat Green Bowls:
- Bias: These bowls have a set, predictable bias tested and approved by World Bowls. They are designed for precision and consistency on a level surface. Models range from tight-running bowls for fast greens to wider-swinging bowls for slower surfaces.
- Shape & Weight: They are available in a wide range of sizes (00-5) and are typically sold in a 'heavy' weight. The design is optimised for a stable, smooth delivery on a flat rink.
Crown Green Bowls:
- Bias: Crown green bowls have a much stronger, more pronounced bias. This is necessary to navigate the contours of the green. The bowl needs to be able to 'climb' the hill and hold its line on the way back down. A standard flat green bowl simply wouldn't have enough turn to be effective.
- Shape & Feel: They generally have a higher density and feel heavier in the hand for their size. Many crown green bowls also have a recessed grip or 'channel' to provide extra purchase, as players need to impart more momentum on the bowl to send it across the large green. They also feature a different bias indicator, often a smaller set of rings on one side, as the bias is much more obvious during play.
Shoes and Equipment Differences
While much of the kit is interchangeable, there are some key distinctions.
- Shoes: The most important rule for any code of bowls is to protect the green. Therefore, all players must wear flat, smooth-soled shoes with no heel. This is a non-negotiable rule for both flat green and crown green bowls to prevent damage to the playing surface.
- Jacks: The jacks (the small target ball) are also different. Crown green jacks are black or yellow but have a bias of their own and are larger and heavier than the perfectly round, smaller white or yellow jacks used in flat green bowls.
- Mats: In flat green bowls, play starts from a fixed mat at one end of the rink. In crown green, the player who sets the jack also places a small mat (or 'footer') anywhere they choose on the green to deliver their bowl from.
If You Play Both: Practical Buying Options
A growing number of players enjoy both codes of the sport. If this is you, you will need two separate, dedicated sets of lawn bowls. There is no "hybrid" bowl that works effectively for both formats. Your flat green set will be for precision play on the rink, and your crown green set will be for navigating the hills and valleys of the crown. Many players who play both often choose a crown green bowl with a '2-full' bias, which is a standard and popular choice.
Beginner Advice: What Clubs Usually Recommend
If you are joining your very first club, the decision is simple: buy the equipment that matches the game they play.
- If you join a flat green club, you will need a set of standard flat green bowls. Ask experienced members what bias they recommend for the club's specific green speed.
- If you join a crown green club, you will need a set of crown green bowls.
Nearly all clubs have spare sets of bowls for new members to borrow. This is the best way to start. It allows you to get a feel for the game, try different bowl sizes, and make an informed decision before spending any money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my flat green bowls for a game of crown green?
While you could use them for a casual roll-up, you would be at a huge disadvantage. The bias is not strong enough to handle the contours of a crown green, and they are not legal for competitive crown green matches.
Which game is harder to learn?
Both games are easy to learn but difficult to master. Some say the tactics and constant adjustment of crown green make it more complex, while others argue the demand for precision and consistency in flat green bowls is the greater challenge. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Why is crown green bowls only popular in certain areas?
It is a traditional game with deep roots in the industrial communities of Northern England. The format and its unique challenges became a core part of the sporting culture in these regions and has remained so for generations.
Choosing the right code—or simply understanding which one your local club plays—is the first step in your bowling journey. Once you know whether you're playing on the flat or the crown, you can find the perfect equipment to get started.