Short Mat Bowls is a fun, sociable indoor version of the traditional outdoor game. Most of the rules are the same, though a few clever adaptations make it perfect for village halls and community spaces. It’s a game of gentle skill, friendly competition, and good company — and it’s suitable for all ages and abilities.
If you’d like to explore the full history and official rules, visit the English Short Mat Bowling Association (ESMBA) website. Below is a quick overview of how the game works and what makes it unique.
The Basics
Just like lawn bowls, the aim is simple: roll your bowls (or “woods”) closer to the small white jack than your opponent’s. The twist is that, indoors, players must negotiate a small wooden block in the centre of the mat. If your bowl strikes the block — or rolls off the mat — it’s declared “dead” and removed from play. This adds an element of strategy and precision that keeps things interesting!
The Playing Surface
The mat is between 40 and 45 feet long and 6 feet wide, with white lines marking key positions. A wooden fender at each end acts as a boundary (and protects the hall from overly enthusiastic shots!).
At the start of each end, a rubber delivery mat is placed at one end, and the jack is positioned on the centre line at the other. The team bowling first chooses where along that line the jack will sit — from a short jack (closer) to a long jack (farther away).
Key Rules (in plain English)
- You must keep one foot on or above the delivery mat when bowling.
- Hitting the centre block means your bowl is dead — it’s removed and doesn’t count.
- Bowls that fail to cross the far “dead line” or go off the sides are also dead.
- If the jack is knocked completely off the mat, the end is declared dead. In league play, the team responsible may lose the end and concede two shots.
- A bowl that touches the jack before stopping is called a “toucher” — it’s marked with chalk and remains live even if it later enters the ditch area.
- Touchers and the jack can still count when lying across the ditch line, provided they’re marked and can only be moved legally by another toucher or the jack itself.
The Equipment
Short Mat Bowls uses full-sized outdoor bowls, but played on a foam- or rubber-backed mat with permanent markings.
- Mat: 40–45 ft long, 6 ft wide
- Centre Block: a small wooden obstacle halfway down the mat
- Fenders: wooden boundaries at each end
- Jack: a heavier indoor version, weighing about 900 g (32 oz)
Because everything is portable, the game can be played almost anywhere — from church halls to community centres and even, famously, on North Sea oil rigs!
How the Game is Played
Players or teams take turns rolling their bowls down the mat, aiming to get as many as possible closer to the jack than their opponents. The block in the centre prevents direct “firing” shots, so success depends on using the natural curve (or bias) of the bowl to curve around obstacles and position strategically.
A well-played game combines skill, patience, and a touch of tactics — sometimes it’s about drawing close to the jack, and other times about placing a “blocker” to protect your position.
A Bit of History
The origins of Short Mat Bowls are thought to lie in Wales, where two South Africans, keen to play despite the weather, laid down a strip of carpet in a church hall and improvised! The idea caught on and spread to Northern Ireland and then England.
The English Short Mat Bowling Association (ESMBA) was founded in 1984 and now governs the sport nationally, overseeing leagues, championships, and club play. Today, there are thousands of registered players across the country enjoying this accessible, all-year-round sport.
Why Try It?
Short Mat Bowls is easy to learn, inexpensive to play, and great fun — especially through the winter when outdoor greens are closed. It offers gentle exercise, friendly company, and a bit of competitive spirit. Most clubs welcome newcomers to “have a go” with no equipment needed — just bring clean, flat-soled shoes and enthusiasm.
