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jack.jpg (6271 bytes)   TACTICS

TACTICS FOR JACK AND MAT

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 At the first end it is advisable to roll the jack to your or your team's favourite length.  It is good tactics to concentrate on and strive to win  the first end as this can create early confidence.
jack1.jpg (3304 bytes) If you have been winning on a certain length you should always place the mat as  nearly as possible in the same position as at the previous winning end and roll the jack to the same length at which you have been having success.
jack1.jpg (3304 bytes) There will continue to be controversy over whether the winner of the toss should   take the mat.  However it is good tactics to take the mat at the first end.  It is like  having an extra bowl, and gives your lead the feel of the green speed and is    certainly preferable to having the doubtful asset of having the last bowl in a   possibly cluttered head.
jack1.jpg (3304 bytes) However in the event of a tied game which requires an extra end it could be tactical for the Skip to have the last bowl, presupposing that neither team is playing better than the other on any particular length, and that the head will not become hopelessly blocked as can sometimes happen on a slow green.
jack1.jpg (3304 bytes) Should you wish to change the length it is a good tactic to achieve this by altering the position of the mat because this might pose a problem for an opponent who uses an object on the bank to establish the aiming line.
jack1.jpg (3304 bytes) When playing against an inexperienced bowler you can gain a tactical advantage by having the jack on the 1.l8m mark and control the length required by moving the mat.  Inexperienced bowlers are often afraid of going into the ditch and tend to drop short when this is done.
jack1.jpg (3304 bytes) If playing against an experienced bowler with a good firm shot or drive it could be tactical to leave plenty of distance between the jack and the ditch so that in the event of the jack being moved there will often be ample room to draw a shot.
jack1.jpg (3304 bytes) It is good tactics to observe and note the length which your opposition use when they gain the mat.  Often they will reveal where their particular strengths are, and an astute Skip can take advantage when the mat is regained.

Remember that any strategy or tactic that you might employ can be completely nullified by careless rolling of the jack.  The simple act of rolling the jack to start a match, or an end, controls much of the game and the correct choice of length is the only foundation for building a head that is favourable to you or your team.