How to Play 10-Pin Bowling

Ten-pin bowling is a high-spirited game in which players try to earn points by rolling a ball down a lane to knock over pins. Each round is divided into 10 turns, or frames. For each frame, a player is given two chances to knock over the pins. If all the pins are bowled over with one ball, this is called a strike. If none of the pins are bowled over because the ball rolled off the lane, this is called a gutter. While many beginners spend most of their time in the gutter, with practice and patience, even the most uncoordinated player can transform themselves from abject beginner to master bowler.

Instructions

1. When you enter a bowling alley, you will see a multitude of bowling balls on display. Walk up to a rack and try one. Place your thumb in the bottom hole and your middle two fingers in the top holes. Return it to the rack if your fingers get stick or if the ball is too heavy to use easily.

2. Make sure your bowling shoes fit properly. If you don't have a pair, you will be required to rent a pair. Many times, you will wear different sized bowling shoes than street shoes. Poor footing can cause you to step past the foul line, and fouling will cost you points.

3. When you look toward the pins, you will see seven arrows marking each bowling lane. Do not attempt to roll your ball directly down the middle. Instead, try to place the ball between the middle arrow and the one beside it. If this does not work, adjust your marker to the right or to the left until you are consistently hitting pins.

4. Most beginners use a four-step advance, so if you're right-handed, take the first step with your right foot. At the same time, bring the ball straight out in front of you. When you take your second step, swing the ball back. On the third step, the ball should be coming forward. And the final step should occur at the same time as the ball's release.

5. When you let go of the ball, your thumb should come out first, followed by your fingers, and your arm should come straight up in front of you, as if you were preparing to shake someone's hand.

6. Look at the lane arrows as you release the ball and watch where it goes. You get one point for every pin you knock over. If you knock over all 10 pins with one ball, this is called a "strike" and your turn is over.

7. Wait for your ball to return and dry your hands if you need to. If you did not get all 10 pins in one throw, you will have a second chance to knock down any that remain.

8. Bowl a second time, making the necessary corrections and adjustments. If you get all of the remaining pins with the second ball, you have bowled a "spare."

References

• Bowling Rules
• Rules of 10 Pin