Bowling, also called 10-PIN Bowling, is a game in which a ball is rolled down along a narrow lane toward a group of pins, the object being to knock down more pins than an opponent.

In its present recognisable form, bowling can be traced to the 13th Century in England.

Most bowling alleys around have automatic scoring machines these days. Still, you may have to fix a score if the computer makes an error (It does happen.), or better yet, you may just find one of those few alleys without the scorer.

In the simplest form, the number of pins knocked down by each ball is simply added to make the total score.

As you may already know, there are two balls in each frame. In the simplest form, the number of pins knocked down by each ball is simply added to make the total score. Managing to knock all ten pins down in one frame throws a curve into the system.

After a spare, the score is not totalled, yet.

A spare is written on the score sheet by placing a slanted line in the appropriate frame box. The score is not totaled at this point, though. The result of the next ball is added in to the frame with the spare, and also used in its own frame as well.

The result of the next ball is added in to the frame with the spare, and also used in its own frame as well.


A strike is marked by crossing the slanted line with another, thereby making an X.

Crossing the slanted line with another, thereby making an X, marks a strike. In this case, it's the result of the next two balls, which are added into the score for that frame, even if it takes more than one frame.

The result of the next two balls are added into the score for that frame, even if it takes more than one frame.

In the tenth frame, since there are no more frames to take a ball from, if you roll a spare, you are allowed to roll one extra ball and the number is added to your score. A strike allows you to roll two extra balls.

Some basic rules and regulations for playing the game, which have been prescribed by World Ten Pin Bowling Association

A game of tenpins consists of ten frames. A player delivers two balls in each of the first nine frames unless a strike is scored. In the tenth frame, a player delivers three balls if a strike or spare is scored. Every frame must be completed by each player bowling in regular order.

Except when a strike is scored, the number of pins knocked down by the player’s first delivery is to be marked in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of that frame, and the number of pins knocked down by the player’s second delivery is to be marked in the upper right-hand corner. If none of the standing pins are knocked down by the second delivery in the frame, the score sheet shall be marked with a (-). The count for the two deliveries in the frame shall be recorded immediately.

A strike is made when a full setup of pins is knocked down with the first delivery in a frame. It is marked by an (x) in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of the frame where it was made. The count for one strike is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down on the player’s next two deliveries.

Two consecutive strikes is a double. The count for the first strike is 20 plus the number of pins knocked down with the first delivery following the second strike.

Three successive strikes is a triple. The count for the first strike is 30. To bowl the maximum score of 300, the player must bowl 12 strikes in succession.

A spare is scored when pins left standing after the first delivery are knocked down with the second delivery in that frame. It is marked by a (/) in the small square in the upper right-hand corner of the frame. The count for a spare is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down by the player’s next delivery.

When a player fails to bowl down all ten pins after two deliveries in a frame, unless the pins left standing after the first delivery constitute a split, it is called an open frame.