In a two-stroke/cycle engine, the rings run hotter, requiring the end gap to be greater.

Some provision must be made in a two-stroke/cycle engine to keep the rings from binding in the ports.

No gap is required to exist between the ends of the ring when cold in a two-stroke/cycle engine, but a small gap is required in a four-stroke/cycle engine.

The end gaps should be staggered on either side of a piston in a two-stroke/cycle engine, while staggering is not necessary in a four-stroke/cycle engine.