Bowling consists of 10 frames, with the score determined by the number of balls thrown in each frame and the number of pins knocked down.
Basic Rules of Bowling
The objective of bowling is to knock down as many pins as possible, and a game consists of 10 frames. In each frame, a player can throw the ball up to two times.
The maximum score is 300, achieved by getting a strike in all 12 consecutive throws, which is considered a perfect game.
Basics of Score Calculation
- Strike: Knocking down all 10 pins with the first ball. The score is the next two throws' pin count added to 10.
- Spare: Knocking down all remaining pins with the second ball. The score is the next throw's pin count added to 10.
- Open Frame: If neither a strike nor a spare is achieved, the score is the number of pins knocked down in that frame.
In Case of a Strike
When a strike is scored, the frame's score is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down in the next two throws.
For example, if you knock down 5 pins and then 4 pins after a strike, the frame's score is 19 points (10 + 5 + 4). If you get two strikes after a strike, the score is 30 points (10 + 10 + 10).
In Case of a Spare
When a spare is scored, the frame's score is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down in the next throw.
For example, if you knock down 3 pins after a spare, the frame's score is 13 points (10 + 3).
Special Rules for the 10th Frame
In the 10th frame, if you score a strike or a spare, you are allowed additional throws.
This means that the maximum score for the final frame can be 30 points (3 strikes).
Example of Score Calculation
If you score a strike in the 1st frame, 5 pins and a spare in the 2nd frame, and knock down 3 pins and 4 pins in the 3rd frame, the scores for each frame are as follows:
- 1st Frame: 10 + 5 (first throw of the next frame) + 5 (second throw of the next frame) = 20 points
- 2nd Frame: 10 + 3 (first throw of the next frame) = 13 points
- 3rd Frame: 3 + 4 = 7 points
By calculating each frame's score in this way, the final score of the game is determined.
Bowling score calculation might seem complex at first, but once you understand the basic rules, it becomes possible to calculate quickly. Moreover, playing while calculating scores with friends or rivals adds a strategic element to the enjoyment.
Conclusion
In bowling, it's crucial not to make mistakes. Pay attention to not missing spares while earning scores with strikes.
The author, mentioning this, also feels that their average score has been decreasing over the years. It's not just about skill and knowledge; I realize the need for mental training as well. Perhaps I should consider a waterfall meditation...
