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Ten-pin bowling

Ten-Pin Bowling is a sport with a simple aim - roll a ball down a wooden pathway to knock down as many targets as possible. The game is made harder by gutters that run along either side of this pathway (called the 'Lane'). If a ball falls into this gutter, no targets will be hit, and therefore no score will be acquired.

A game of 10-Pin Bowling is divided into ten rounds (called 'Frames'). In a frame, each player is given two opportunities to knock down the skittle targets (called 'Pins'). They roll their first ball at the pins. Whatever pins are knocked down are counted and scored. Then the player rolls a second ball at any remaining targets. In the event that all ten pins were razed with the first ball (a 'Strike'), they receive points and a bonus, and play passes to the next competitor. A player has no more than two balls to play in each frame (one exception applies, see below), so even if they fail to knock over any pins, after they have taken two shots, play passes to the next competitor.

The ten pins are automatically set by machine into a triangle with 4 pins in the back row, then 3, 2, and finally 1 in the front, at the centre of the lane. Obviously, due to the spacing of the pins, it is impossible for the ball to strike every one, therefore a tactical shot is required, which will result in a chain reaction of pin hitting pin. In order to count, the pin must be knocked over entirely; in unlucky circumstances, a pin may wobble furiously, yet come to rest upright, thus not being scored.

Table of contents
1 Scoring
2 Regulations
3 External links

Scoring

In general, one point is scored for each pin that is knocked over. So, in an imaginary game, if player 'A' bowled over 3 pins with their first shot, then 6 with their second, she would receive a total of 9 points for that frame. If player 'B' knocks down 9 pins with their first shot, but misses with their second, she would also score 9.

In the event that all ten pins were knocked over by any one player in a single frame, bonuses are awarded.

Example:
Frame 1, ball 1 - 10 pins (strike)
Frame 2, ball 1 - 3 pins
Frame 2, ball 2 - 6 pins
The total score from these throws is: 10 + (3+6) + 3 + 6 = 28

A player who scores multiple strikes in succession would score like so:
Frame 1, ball 1 - 10 pins (strike)
Frame 2, ball 1 - 10 pins (strike)
Frame 3, ball 1 - 4 pins
Frame 3, ball 2 - 2 pins
The score from these throws is:
  • Frame one... 10 + (10 + 4) = 24
Frame two... 10 + (4 + 2) = 16
Frame three... 4 + 2 = 6
TOTAL = 46

A player lucky enough to bowl a strike in the 10th (final) frame, is awarded two extra balls so as to allow for his bonus points. If both these balls also result in strikes, a total of 30 points (10 + 10 + 10) is awarded for the frame.
Example:
Frame 1, ball 1 - 7 pins
Frame 1, ball 2 - 3 pins (spare)
Frame 2, ball 1 - 4 pins
Frame 2, ball 2 - 2 pins
The total score from these throws is: 7 + 3 + 4(bonus) + 4 + 2 = 20

A player who bowls a spare in the 10th (final) frame, is awarded one extra ball so as to allow for his bonus points.

To correctly calculate bonus points can be a bit tricky, especially when combinations of strikes and spares come in successive frames. In modern times, however, this has been overcome with automated scoring systems, linked to the machines that set and clear the pins between frames. A computer automatically counts pins that remain standing, and fills in a virtual score sheet (usually displayed on monitors above each lane).

The maximum score in a game of 10-pin is 300. This is scored by bowling 12 strikes: one for each frame, and a strike with both bonus balls in the 10th frame. In this way, each frame will score 30 points (see above - scoring:strike).

Regulations

Note: Regulations listed in this section are loosely based on ABC/WIBC regulations, which may not apply universally.

The bowling lane is 60 feet (18.28 meters) from the foul line to the head pin (1-pin); of that distance, there is 15 feet (4.57 meters) from the foul line to the guide arrows. The lane is 42 inches (106.7 cm) wide and consists of exactly 39 wood boards. The bowling lane has two sets of approach dots; from the foul line back to the first set of approach dots is 12 feet (3.65 meters) and to the second set of approach dots is 15 feet (4.57 meters) (an additional 3 feet/91 cm).

For competition bowling, a ball must be made of a completely solid material and its weight must be distributed evenly. The circumference of the ball must not be more than 27 inches (68.6 cm) and cannot weigh more than 16 pounds (7.27 kg). The ball must have a smooth surface over its entire circumference except for holes or indentations used for gripping the ball, identification letters and numbers, and general wear from normal use.

External links