How to Find Your Handicap in Bowling

As a simple way to level the playing field or, in this case, the bowling lane, a handicap system is used in league bowling play. The handicap system allows players of lesser ability, who consistently roll lower scores, to be able to compete with better players equally. Finding your handicap is based on the highest individual average in your particular league.

Instructions

    • 1

      Bowl several games (a minimum of three) during league play to determine your average score

    • 2

      Find out what the scratch figure number is in your current league; the league will set a figure slightly higher than the number for the person with the highest average in the league. For example, if the highest average bowled in league play is 202, the league may set a scratch figure of 210.

    • 3

      Take your average and subtract it from the league's scratch figure to determine your handicap. For example, if your average is 175 and the league scratch figure is 210, your handicap would be 35.