Rules for Bowling Games

Bowling is a recreational activity that requires an understanding of scoring and rules. Scoring bowling isn't just adding up pins knocked down. It requires combining pins of two to three frames. Understanding bowling etiquette and using the proper equipment also are important.

  1. Foul

    • When rolling the ball, the bowler shall remain behind the foul line, a line that separates the bowler area and the lane itself. If the bowler crosses the line, their score is voided for that throw. The bowler should always wait until the pins are cleared, reset and bowling rack has lifted.

    Etiquette

    • Etiquette is important when bowling. When two bowlers are lined up to bowl in adjacent lanes, the bowler to the right bowls first. The bowler on the left should bowl only when the bowler on the right has made his or her throw. When bowlers are playing as a group, there should be a rotation where each bowler gets a turn. Food and drink aren't allowed in the bowling area as spills could cause a bowler to fall.

    Equipment

    • Bowling shoes are a requirement. These shoes are tailored for the bowling alley and provide proper grip on the lanes. Bowlers also use towels and rosin bags to keep their hands dry and maintain a strong grip of the ball.

    Scoring

    • Bowling is scored for 10 frames, with a potential maximum score of 300. A bowler will throw two balls in each frame to knock down 10 pins. The exception is when the bowler throws a strike, knocking down all 10 pins, on the frame's first ball. A strike or spare, knocking down 10 pins in two throws, carries the score over to the next one or two frames. For example, a bowler who throws a strike will take the next two throws and combine them for scoring in the frame of the strike. If the bowler throws a strike, another strike and eight pins, he or she would add 28 pins to the frame in which the initial strike was thrown. The same rule applies for a spare, with the exception that you take the first ball after the spare. Whereas the bowler throws two balls at most for every frame, the 10th frame has a potential three throws. The third ball is only allowed if the bowler throws a strike or spare using the first or second ball.