Teams of four players playing with 2 bowls each. The number of ends depends on the competition you are playing in, but 18 is very common, with a maximum of 21 occasionally being required by the rules of specific competitions.

Leads bowl their 2 bowls first, then the Twos, then the Threes. Meanwhile the Skips are standing at the opposite end of the rink behind the jack, giving instructions to their team mates on how they want to develop the head.  After the Three has finished bowling, the team mates change ends so that the Skip is ready to bowl, while the Three gives information WHEN ASKED by the Skip. The Lead and Two stand well back from the head, keeping quiet and still, so as not to distract the Skip while they are bowling.