Ten-Pin Bowling: Overview, Scoring & Game Rules

If you are searching for a recreational activity then ten-pin bowling is ideal for you. Have you ever heard about it? If you haven’t heard about it, let me introduce you to its bowling rules, equipment, scoring, and common shoes and terminologies.

In a nutshell, ten-pin bowling is another bowling game and recreational activity where players roll a ball down a narrow lane in an attempt to knock over 10 pins arranged in a triangular formation at the end of the lane. This game has a rich history and many variations throughout the history.

This game consists of 10 frames and each player has two rolls per frame, except in the case of strike, where the player rolls once (we will talk about it in brief detail throughout the article). This game is played in a bowling alley that has multiple lanes for players to use.

There are plenty of popular balling games that are played in different regions around the country and are gaining popularity. For example, duckpin, nine-pin, candlestick, and five-pin, etc.

But in this article, we will walk you through the information of a well-known game named ten-pin bowling that is popular in almost every region and country. This game is played under the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) which is the major sanctioning body for professional ten-pin Bowling in the United States.

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Key Takeaways

• Ten-pin bowling was introduced in 1800 to stamp out such unsavory behavior by banning nine-pin bowling alleys (a gambling activity).
• The goal of ten-pin bowling is to score as many points as possible by knocking down as many pins as possible in each frame. 
• This game is played under the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) which is the major sanctioning body for professional ten-pin Bowling in the United States. 
• The maximum possible score in a game of ten-pin bowling is 300, which can be achieved by rolling 12 consecutive strikes (10 strikes plus two extra rolls in the 10th frame).
• The scoring system is based on the number of pins knocked down with each roll and the number of rolls taken to knock down all the pins in the frame

A Brief History of Ten-Pin Bowling 

Nine-pin bowling is all you need to know if you want to know the history of the ten-pin bowling sport since the origins of ten-pin bowling can be traced back to the game of nine-pin bowling.

Nine-pin bowling was a favorite gambling activity in the United States but it was eventually outlawed due to concerns about gambling and public nuisance.   

They added an extra pin to the setup creating the pin game that is known as ten-pin bowling and is still played today. This game allows bowling alleys to legally continue to operate by offering the new game of ten-pin bowling.  

In the 1950s, this game started gaining popularity and became a national obsession. Burning the early 20th century, it became a common sight in American cities and towns and it is still making a name for itself. 

This game became more popular because of the introduction of automatic pin-setting machines which were introduced in the 1940s and 1950s. Still, this game is enjoyed by millions of people around the world and growing in popularity.  

You can estimate the popularity of the game by hearing an actual statement in which the research says that over 67 million Americans play at least once a year. 

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The Equipment 

Before jumping into the depths of the rules and scoring system of the game, let’s have an eye on the equipment.

1. Bowling Pins – Editor’s Choice

So, the bowling pin is the necessary equipment for the game that is available at every bowling alley, arranged in a triangular formation at the end of the lane. These are 15 inches tall and weigh between 3 and 3,5 pounds each. 

The Bowling Ball

The bowling ball is another necessary equipment of for the game that is found at every bowling alley. This is typically made of dense, heavy material such as plastic, urethane, or reactive resin. It weighs between 6 and 16 pounds and has a diameter of 8.5 inches.  

If you do not prefer playing with balls that are available at the bowling alley, you can carry your own ball to the bowling alley. Doing this will help you choose the right ball and learn more advanced shots like the hook and curve ball.

2. Shoes – Editor’s Choice

We are talking about special shoes that are only used to play ten-pin balls at bowling alleys. These shows have smooth soles that allow the bowler to slide on the approach and a rubber heel that provides traction. 

These shoes are used when bowling alleys are not allowed to play in simple shoes or slippers. You can rent these bowling shoes or if you are a casual player then it is suggested to purchase and carry your own bowling shoes to the bowling alley with you to follow the instructions and rules of the alleys.  

There are two different types of bowling shoes one is designed for sliding and the other one for braking. Usually, professional players choose between both shoes according to their own preferences so they can perform well.  

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Wrist Support 

Wrist support is not necessary as above equipment as players who play for fun do not give preference to it. But it helps bowlers to maintain the proper hand and wrist position, and approved brands are widely worn by professional PBA bowlers. You can’t rent wrist support at bowling alleys as you can do bowling shoes.  

Bowling Rules 

The Object of Ten-Pin Bowling 

The goal of ten-pin bowling is to score as many points as possible by knocking down as many pins as possible in each frame. A game consists of 10 frames, and each player has two rolls per frame, except in the case of a strike, where the player only rolls once. The player with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner.

In this game, the highest possible score is 300 which is known as a perfect game. Bowlers need to knock down all the pins 12 times in a row to score a perfect game means 300. On the other hand, 200 points are considered average points, and a good professional player scores above 200. 

The Progression of The Game 

The ten-pin bowling game is divided into 10 terms which are called frames. In the first nine turns, players can roll up the ball up to two times whereas in the last frame (10th frame) players can roll the bowl up to three times, depending on how many pins are knocked down. When a bowler completes all 12 frames, the turn moves to the next bowler and he starts playing. 

General Scoring and Recording Points

Unlike other bowling games, the scoring system is based on the number of pins knocked down with each roll and the number of rolls taken to knock down all the pins in the frame. The scoring and recording point system is easy to understand when you have proper guidance. 

 When a player knocks down all 10 pins in their first roll, it is known as a strike. The player’s score for that frame is 10, plus the total number of pins knocked down with their next two rolls. A strike is indicated by drawing an (X) in the small box in the top right corner of the larger scoring box for that frame.  

When a player knows down all 10 pins with their second roll, it is called a spare, and the player’s score for that frame is 10, plus the total number of pins knocked down with their next roll. The spare is indicated by a (/) diagonal line from the lower left corner to the upper right corner of the small box.  

When a player fails to knock down all 10 pins with their two rolls in a frame, their score for that frame is the total number of pins knocked down.  

In the 10th frame, a player who rolls a strike or spare is entitled to additional roles to complete the frame. A maximum of three rolls is allowed in the 10th frame if a strike is rolled on the first roll. 

If a player does not knock down any pins, he will score 0 and the zero is indicated by a dash in the appropriate area on the scoring sheet.  

The maximum possible score in a game of ten-pin bowling is 300, which can be achieved by rolling 12 consecutive strikes (10 strikes plus two extra rolls in the 10th frame). 

How To Score a Strike in The Tenth Frame 

There’s A huge difference between scoring a strike in the tenth frame compared to other frames. When a player scores a strike in the tenth frame, he immediately gets two more turns to roll the ball. And the total number of pins that are knocked by these additional roles will be added to the player’s previous score. The maximum number of points for the last frame is 30.  

Bowling Rules: Fouls 

There are many rules a player needs to remember and follow while playing ten-pin bowling. Let’s have an eye on the rules as well as fouls.  

There is a line at the beginning of the lane which is considered a foul line. When a bowler’s feet cross over the line at any point during or after releasing the ball, it is considered foul, and pins that are knocked down will be reset. In this scenario, the player does not score any points and forfeits that roll.  

When a player fouls on the first roll, he will be able to roll a second time and the foul will be indicated as (F) in the appropriate space on the score sheet or automatic scoring machine if bowling alleys have one.  

Basic Shots Used In Bowling Alley 

Basic shots that are used in bowling alley includes: –   

Straight Ball: A straight shot is the most basic shot in a ten-pin bowling game. The player rolls the ball directly toward the pins in a straight line, trying to knock down as many pins as possible. To make a straight shot, players should keep their hips and shoulders square to the pins when they are bowling.  

Hook Ball: A Hook shot involves curving the ball from right to left corner if the player is right-handed whereas it involves curving from left to right if the bowler is left-handed. This shot is used to target specific pins and create more pin action for higher scores. This looks like spinning but it is more than that.  

Curve Ball: This shot shares similarities with the hook shot but involves holding the ball in a handshake position and nailing the rotation, sliding distance before it curves to hit your intended pocket.  

Backup Ball: A Backup ball is a shot that curves in the opposite direction of a hook shot. This shot is used by some bowlers as a variation of the hook shot or as a way to combat lane conditions that don’t allow for a traditional hook shot.  

Bowling Slangs You Should Know 

You will hear many unique phrases when you hang around bowling alleys as bowling has its own unique language. For a better understanding of the game, let’s have a look at the bowling slang.  

Approach: The first few steps bowlers take before releasing the ball 

Deadwood: Pins that were knocked down by a previous roll but not cleared by the sweeper. 

Five Bagger: It refers to five consecutive strikes in a row.  

Four Bagger: It refers to four consecutive strikes in a row.  

Gutter: Space on either side of the alley.  

Turkey: Three strikes in a row

Head Pin: The pin closest to the start of a frame.

Split: When after the first roll, only two pins remain standing and there is a wide gap between them. 

Handicap: The number of pins added to the score of less skilled bowlers to make a game more competitive and interesting.  

Final Words 

Ten Pin bowling is a fun and engaging activity that combines skill, strategy, and socializing. This game has been out there for a very long time and has a rich history which indicates the popularity of the game among players.  

Playing this game can be a great way to enjoy some healthy competition, socialize, and have a good time with your friends or loved ones. This might be your favorite bowling game if you are searching for a pastime and lifelong source of enjoyment and camaraderie.