Bowling Wiki: Rules, Scoring, Technique and Equipment

This bowling wiki brings together the basics of ten-pin bowling – rules, scoring, the lane, technique, equipment, terms and history. Each section explains the essentials in a few sentences and links to a detailed guide, so you can start with the overview and go deeper where you need to.

Bowling rules

A game of ten-pin bowling has ten frames. In each frame you have up to two rolls to knock down all ten pins; in the tenth frame, a strike or spare earns extra rolls, up to three in total. Whoever steps over the foul line commits a foul, and in league or tournament play that delivery counts as zero.

Details: bowling rules explained simply · bowling etiquette: 10 rules

Bowling scoring

A strike means all ten pins with the first roll of a frame; a spare means the remaining pins with the second roll. Both earn bonus pins from the following rolls, which is why scores can climb quickly. The maximum is 300 – twelve strikes in a row in one game, known as a perfect game.

Details: bowling scoring explained frame by frame

The lane and oil patterns

In front of the foul line lies the approach, about 15 feet (5 m) long, where you build up speed. Past the foul line, the dots and, about 15 feet further, seven arrows serve as aiming points. The lane is oiled in a pattern that shapes how the ball moves – one reason why the same shot can react differently from one center to the next.

Details: bowling lane anatomy · targeting with arrows, dots and boards · oil patterns for beginners

Bowling technique

A delivery consists of the approach, the arm swing, the release and the follow-through. Beginners usually start with a straight ball; with a hook, the ball curves into the pocket between the head pin and the pin next to it. For spares, a system such as 3-6-9 gives you fixed reference points.

Details: the approach in four steps · release techniques · hook or straight ball · the 3-6-9 spare system

Bowling equipment

The basic equipment consists of a ball and bowling shoes. The ball should be heavy enough to hold its line and light enough to swing it under control. Bowling shoes have a slide sole that lets you glide into the release; street shoes do not belong on the approach.

BOWLIO bowling shoes are made of genuine leather, upper and sole alike. The full-length leather sole under both shoes makes them suitable for left- and right-handed bowlers, from beginners to professionals, and sizes are given in EU, US and JP, including women's sizes.

Details: choosing the right ball weight · your first bowling ball · how to choose bowling shoes · bowling shoe sizes

Bowling terms

Three strikes in a row are called a turkey. A Brooklyn is a ball that crosses over and hits the pins on the side opposite the pocket. The pocket itself is the spot where the ball has the best chance of a strike.

Details: bowling glossary A to Z

Bowling history and players

Ten-pin bowling developed from nine-pin games such as the German Kegelspiel; a painting from around 1810 already shows ten pins set up in a triangle in England. The modern sport has produced players who shaped their era.

Details: Don Carter · Earl Anthony · Jason Belmonte

Where to start

If you are new to bowling, the beginner's guide to bowling is a good place to start. It walks you through the basics step by step.