When does a team gain possession of the rink during play?

A team gains possession of the rink when their opponent's bowl has come to rest. This is significant in the game as it establishes the moment when the team can take full control of the play. Following this rule, once the opposing bowl is stationary, the team is able to assess the game situation and strategize their next move. This possession is essential as it dictates when the current team can place their bowls in relation to the opposition's, shaping their strategy for the remainder of the end.

The other scenarios do not align with the established rules of play regarding rink possession. For example, possession does not automatically transfer after the first bowl is played or simply at the start of a turn, nor does scoring a shot influence when possession is obtained. The nuance lies in the resting state of the opposing bowl, which directly determines the timing and flow of gameplay.