Rules and scoring

• Pins are 12 inches apart and ball weights 10-16 pounds.
• Game consists of 10 frames. Two balls are rolled for 9 frames unless a strike is bowled on the first attempt and three balls for 10th frame if a strike or spare is scored.
• Spare: If all the pins are knocked down on the second attempt a spare is marked with an “/” on the scoresheet. The frame score is left open until the next ball is rolled on the next frame. The number of pins knocked down in that roll are added to 10 for the score in the spare frame.
• Strike: If all the pins are knocked down on the first attempt, a strike is marked with “X” on the score sheet. The frame is left open and the count of the next two balls rolled is added to 10 for the score for the frame with the strike.

Approach

• On a three finger grip ball, the distance between the holes should be slightly shorter than the length between the inserted thumb and the second knuckle of the middle 2 fingers.
• Right handed bowlers should use a 3, 4, or 5 step approach ending in a balanced position with weight on the left foot.
• Straight ball delivery: Thumb at 12 o’clock position. Approach a diagonal position and aim between 1 and 3 pins.
• Hook ball delivery: Thumb placed at 10 o’clock position with V pointing down the lane. Thumb releases first as arm comes up to impart spin on the ball.
• Curve ball delivery: Thumb points away from body on back swing and rotates to point toward you on release into a position similar to shaking hands.

Bowling cues

1. Concentrate on the aiming point: Either a certain pin or one of the spots.
2. Let the weight of the ball do the work.
3. Hold the wrist firm. A wrist brace is recommended.
4. Release the ball with the thumb first.
5. For spares aim to the key pin (usually one closest) and hit center for center pins, left for right side pins, and right for left side pins.