Bowling is a game that combines hand-eye coordination, accuracy and a knowledge of spin to knock down pins. It is often played in a team format through organized leagues and can be a fun social activity. Learning the rules of the game is essential to organized play.
Equipment and Lane
The World Ten-Pin Bowling Association calls for a 60-foot lane from the foul line to the first pin. The lane is 42 inches wide with gutters on either side. The bowler must not step over the foul line when making his approach. The pins are composed of hard maple and are 15 inches high with a diameter of 2 ¼ inches at the base. They must weigh between 3 lbs., 6 oz. and 3 lbs., 10 oz. Bowling in street shoes is not permitted as it can damage the bowling lane.
Bowling Play
Each bowling game is made up of 10 frames, or turns, for each bowler. Each turn consists of one or two rolls. If the bowler knocks down all 10 pins on the first roll, the next bowler is allowed to begin his turn. If some pins remain the bowler has the opportunity to make a second attempt. If all pins are knocked down, it is called a spare. An open frame is scored if any pins remain after the second attempt. If the bowler steps over the foul line it counts as a shot and any pins knocked down are not counted and are reset, according to the World Ten-Pin Bowling Association.
Scoring
The bowler gets credit for the number of pins he knocks down. In the case of a spare, a hash mark is noted on the score sheet and the score is not noted until the bowler rolls his next ball. Credit is then given for 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down on that roll. In the event a bowler rolls a strike, it is noted with an “X” in the small square and 10 points are awarded plus one point for each pin knocked down during his next two rolls. A perfect score is 300, which represents 12 strikes in a row. If the bowler rolls a strike in his final attempt it cannot be recorded until he gets a final two-roll attempt. If a bowler rolls a spare on his final roll he must roll one more time in order to record the score.
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