How to Candlepin Bowl

Candlepin bowling is a variation of standard bowling using a smaller, lighter ball and cylindrical pins with slight tapers at the ends. The lane dimensions of candlepin bowling are the same as those of regular bowling, but the game is much harder to play. Unlike regular bowling, which has had many perfect games, no one has ever scored a perfect game in candlepin--the record is 245, according to the International Candlepin Bowling Association. Candlepin is mostly played in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and some parts of Eastern Canada.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 candlepins Bowling ball (4.5 inches in diameter)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a bowling alley that operates with candlepins. This type of alley will be difficult to locate outside northern New England or Canada. Select your ball. The balls used for candlepin must weigh no more than 2.7 pounds and do not have finger holes.

    • 2

      Line up to throw as you would in traditional bowling.

    • 3

      Bring the ball back as you walk toward the foul line, swinging the ball forward and releasing it toward the lane. Follow through to improve your aim.