Regulation 10-pin bowling games require a bowling lane that measures 60 feet long and 42 inches wide, according to the World Tenpin Bowling Association. The lane has gutters on both sides and an approach area in front of the foul line. In a game of bowling, players compete to earn the highest score by knocking over as many pins as they can.
Step 1
Put on bowling shoes before you step onto the lane or the approach area. Improper shoes can damage the surface of the lane.
Step 2
Flip a coin to determine which player gets to bowl first. Players then take turns bowling for 10 frames. Each player takes one turn for each frame.
Step 3
Place your thumb and two fingers in the ball to grip it.
Step 4
Bowl the ball twice on your turn. Do not step over the foul line during your approach and while bowling. If you bowl a strike on your first roll, do not bowl a second time. If some pins remain, bowl a second time to attempt to knock down the remaining pins. If you knock down the remaining pins on your second bowl, you make a spare.
Step 5
Record points according to the number of pins you hit on each turn. If you do not earn a strike or a spare, simply record as many points as pins you hit. If you earn a spare, record a slash mark in the frame and wait until the next turn to enter a score. Then give yourself 10 points plus the number of pins you hit in the next roll. If you earn a strike, record an X in the frame and wait until the next turn to enter a score. You will eventually earn 10 points plus the number of pins you hit in the next three rolls. If you bowl two more strikes, for example, you will earn 30 points for the original strike. If you bowl 12 strikes in a row, you earn a score of 300, a perfect score.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are bowling in a public bowling alley, let the bowler to your right finish his roll before you begin yours. Always stand well behind your opponents or fellow bowlers during their turns.
Things You'll Need
- Bowling lane
- Bowling pins
- Bowling shoes
- Bowling ball
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