Bowling · How to play
How to Play Tenpin Bowling
The rules, the scoring and the language of bowling, explained for new Nigerian bowlers.
Hero photo: Xiaphias, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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The basics
Tenpin bowling is played on a wooden or synthetic lane 60 feet (18 metres) long. At the far end, ten pins stand in a triangle of four rows. Each player rolls a ball of up to 16 pounds to knock down as many pins as possible.
Scoring
- Frames: a game has ten frames, with two balls per frame (three in the tenth if you strike or spare).
- Strike (X): all ten pins with the first ball; scores 10 plus the next two balls.
- Spare (/): all ten pins with two balls; scores 10 plus the next ball.
- Open frame: pins left standing; you score the pins knocked down.
- Perfect game: twelve strikes in a row for a score of 300.
Tips for beginners
- Choose a ball about one tenth of your body weight, with finger holes that fit comfortably.
- Never step over the foul line: a foul scores zero for that ball.
- Aim at the arrows on the lane, not the pins, and keep a straight, relaxed arm swing.
Keep reading
Bowling in Nigeria
Tenpin bowling from lounges to a national federation.Read more
History of bowling
From ancient Egypt to Abuja: the story of the game and its arrival in Nigeria.Read more
Where to bowl in Nigeria
Bowling centres in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan.Read more
Contact Nigerian bowling
The Nigeria Tenpin Bowling Federation.Read more
Quick answers
How to play: quick answers
How is tenpin bowling scored?
A game has ten frames. You get two balls per frame to knock down ten pins. A strike (all ten with the first ball) scores 10 plus your next two balls; a spare (all ten with two balls) scores 10 plus your next ball. The maximum score is 300.
How long is a bowling lane?
60 feet (18.29 metres) from the foul line to the head pin, and 41.5 inches (1.05 metres) wide.
How heavy is a bowling ball?
Up to 16 pounds (7.26 kg). Beginners and children often use balls of 6 to 10 pounds.