What Are the Actual Rules of Bowling, Anyways?

If you’re like most Americans, you have distinct memories of going to a bowling alley as a kid (or adult). You know the familiar scents of disinfectant, lane oil, and the best fries you’ve ever had. You also know the feeling of panic when you realize the ball you chose has really small finger holes. You also may have never learned the actual rules of bowling. So consider this your cheat sheet the next time you want to show off your tenpin knowledge.

Understanding the Goal

This one is pretty simple. Everyone knows that the goal is to knock down as many pins as you can with your ball. Each game consists of 10 frames (or turns)—chances for you to earn points. While you may not be aiming for your first PBA (Professional Bowlers Association) title, you can certainly earn up to 300 points.

Rules

Bowling is set up with ten frames for each player. A player has two chances to knock down as many pins as they can on their turn (one frame). Here are some rules to note:

• The foul line is located at the very beginning of the lane. This is a line that cannot be crossed by bowlers during their turn. Pins that get knocked down during a turn where a player steps over the foul line do not count.
• Bumpers are not allowed for a competitive game of bowling. They are, however, a great option for players whose ball often ends up in the gutter (i.e. young children or inexperienced bowlers).
• The gutter is considered “out of bounds.” Balls that roll into the gutter and manage to bounce back and knock over pins do not get any points.
• Bowling shoes must be worn because they are specifically designed for the wooden lanes and prevent damage.
• The last frame is special because if you knock down all the pins in your turn, you get an extra roll. Here are a few scenarios to illustrate:
  • If you bowl two rolls that add up to less than 10 (like a 3 and a 5), you don’t get a third roll. 
  • If you get a spare (knock down all 10 pins in two rolls), you get a third roll. 
  • If you get a strike (knock down all 10 pins in one roll), you get two more rolls.

Scoring

The hardest part of bowling (besides deciding which ball you like the best) is the scoring system. There are a few key terms to understand to help you master the game:

1. Strike: A strike is when a player knocks down all ten pins with the first roll of their turn. It is marked with an “X” on the score sheet. Strikes also have a bonus! A strike score includes the ten points for that turn and the total of the next two rolls.
2. Spare: A spare is when a player knocks down all ten pins using both rolls in a single frame. It is marked with a “/” on the score sheet. A spare score includes the ten pins knocked down plus the number of pins knocked down on the next roll.
3. Open Frame: If a player bowls both turns in a frame without knocking down all ten pins, that’s called an open frame. Their score is the number of pins knocked down in both rolls.

Other Common Terms

• Turkey: A turkey in bowling is when a player rolls three strikes in a row.
• Perfect Game: A perfect game in bowling is when a player gets a strike in every frame, including three strikes in the final frame.
• Gutter Ball: This is when a player rolls their ball into the gutter. No points are awarded for gutter balls—even if they jump back onto the lane.
• Bumpers: These raised barriers stop balls from rolling into the gutter.

Bowling Etiquette

There are also a few basic bowling etiquette tips you should know, even if they aren’t official rules. If you don’t learn these on your own, someone will tell you (sometimes quite sternly).

First, if others on the lanes around you are taking their turn, wait for them to bowl before taking yours. This helps the game run smoother and gives bowlers space to complete their turn. If you step up to your lane at the same time as someone next to you, let the person to your right go first.

Second, be aware of your surroundings. Always be ready to start your turn. Nothing is worse than yelling for your friend (or opponent) every time their turn comes around. Be polite to those around you and keep your area tidy. This also includes keeping just one, maybe two balls in the ball return.

Get Your Game On At Stars & Strikes

If you’re itching to get on the lanes, come to Stars and Strikes! We have both traditional bowling lanes and SPARK™ Augmented Reality Bowling. Reserve your lane today for an unforgettable experience!If bowling isn’t your thing, we’ve also got axe throwing, bumper cars, arcade games, and escape rooms! At Stars & Strikes, there’s something for everyone. Check out our menu or a full list of our activities to plan a night of delicious food and fun memories.