Bowling is a popular recreational and competitive sport that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. At the heart of the game, is the objective of knocking down as many pins as possible with a rolling ball.
But just how many pins are there in a typical game of bowling? In this article, we will explore the different types of bowling lanes and the number of pins used in each. So if you’re curious about the ins and outs of bowling and want to learn more, keep reading!
Ten-Pin Bowling:
Ten-pin bowling is the most popular form of bowling. It is played on a long, narrow lane with ten pins arranged at the end in a triangular pattern.
The game is played with a bowling ball weighing between six and sixteen pounds, depending on the player’s preference. In a standard game of ten-pin bowling, each player gets two rolls per frame, for a total of ten frames in a game.
If the player is able to knock down all ten pins with their first roll, it is called a “strike,” and they score ten points plus the value of their next two rolls.
On the other hand, if they are unable to knock down all ten pins with their first roll, they get a second roll to try to knock down any remaining pins. If they are able to knock down all the remaining pins with their second roll, it is called a “spare,” and they score ten points plus the value of their next roll.
Lastly, if the player is unable to knock down all the pins with their two rolls in a frame, they score the total number of pins knocked down.
The game of ten-pin bowling has a rich history, with evidence of similar games dating back to ancient civilizations in Egypt, Rome, and Greece. Today, it is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels as a recreational and competitive sport.
Nine-Pin Bowling:
Nine-pin bowling is a variation of the sport played with nine pins arranged in a diamond pattern at the end of the lane. The game is also played with a bowling ball that weighs between 6 to 16 pounds.
Each player gets two rolls per frame, for a total of ten frames in a game. The scoring system is similar to that of ten-pin bowling.
A “strike” will earn the player ten points, plus the value of their next two rolls. While a “spare” will earn the player ten points plus the value of their next roll.
If the player is unable to knock down all the pins with their two rolls in a frame, they score the total number of pins knocked down. Nine-pin bowling is most popular in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Its history dates as far back as the 16th century. Interestingly, nine-pin bowling is also played in other parts of the world, including the United States, where it is sometimes referred to as kegel or German bowling.
Five-Pin Bowling:
Five-pin bowling is played with five pins arranged in a straight line at the end of the lane. The game is played with a bowling ball that weighs between 3 to 7 pounds.
In a game of five-pin bowling, each player gets two rolls per frame, for a total of ten frames in a game. The scoring system is similar to that of ten-pin and nine-pin bowling.
A “strike” earns the player fifteen points plus the value of their next two rolls. While a “spare” earns the player fifteen points plus the value of their next roll.
If the player is unable to knock down all the pins with their two rolls in a frame, they score the total number of pins knocked down.
Five-pin bowling is most popular in Canada, where it has a long history dating back to the late 19th century. It is also played in other parts of the world, including the United States and some countries in Latin America.
Duckpin Bowling:
Duckpin bowling is a variation of the sport that is played with smaller pins and balls than in traditional ten-pin bowling. The pins in duckpin bowling are shorter and rounder than in ten-pin bowling.
Furthermore, the duckpin bowling ball is smaller and has no holes. The game is played with a bowling ball weighing between 3 to 6 pounds, with each player making an effort to knock down as many of the ten pins as possible.
In a game of duckpin bowling, each player gets three rolls per frame, for a total of ten frames in a game. The scoring system is similar to that of ten-pin bowling.
A “strike” earns the player ten points plus the value of their next two rolls. While a “spare” earns the player ten points plus the value of their next roll. If the player is unable to knock down all the pins with their three rolls in a frame, they score the total number of pins knocked down.
Duckpin bowling is most popular in the northeastern United States, particularly in the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. It has a long history dating back to the early 20th century.
Candlepin Bowling:
Candlepin bowling is played with thin, cylindrical pins and small balls with no holes. The pins in candlepin bowling are the tallest and skinniest of any bowling variation.
Moreso, the ball weighs between 2 to 4 pounds, making it the smallest and lightest. In a game of candlepin bowling, each player gets three rolls per frame, for a total of ten frames in a game. A “strike” earns the player ten points plus the value of their next two rolls.
While “spare” earns the player ten points plus the value of their next roll. If the player is unable to knock down all the pins with their three rolls in a frame, they score the total number of pins knocked down.
EndNote:
The type of bowling you play will depend on where you live. In the United States, ten-pin bowling is the most popular version played in bowling centers, tournaments, and by professional bowlers.
In Europe and Canada, you may encounter five- or nine-pin bowling more frequently. These variations all offer unique challenges, but no matter the number of pins, the goal is always to have fun.
The main differences between the types of bowling include the number of pins, the size of the pins and balls, and the scoring system. Interestingly, there has never been an officially recognized perfect game in duckpin or candlepin bowling.
While ten-pin bowling is the most common, you can still enjoy the other versions just as much. Be sure to try out all the different types to find the one that suits you best.
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