Basic Scoring Structure

• Frames: A standard game of bowling consists of 10 frames. In each frame, a player has up to two attempts to knock down a maximum of 10 pins.
• Open Frame: If a player fails to knock down all 10 pins in two attempts, the score for that frame is simply the total number of pins knocked down.
• Strike: If a player knocks down all 10 pins on the first roll, it is called a strike. The score for that frame is 10 points plus the total number of pins knocked down in the next two rolls. For example, if a player rolls a strike and then knocks down 4 and 3 pins in the next two rolls, the score for the strike frame would be 10 + 4 + 3 = 17 points.

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• Spare: If a player knocks down all 10 pins across both rolls in a frame, it is called a spare. The score for that frame is 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down in the next roll. For instance, if a player rolls a spare and then knocks down 5 pins on the next roll, the score for the spare frame would be 10 + 5 = 15 points.

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• 4 Sources

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Special Rules for the 10th Frame

• In the 10th frame, if a player rolls a strike or a spare, they are allowed to roll additional balls to maximize their score. This means a player can have up to three rolls in the 10th frame if they achieve a strike or spare.

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• 2 Sources

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Summary of Scoring

• Strike: 10 points + next two rolls
• Spare: 10 points + next roll
• Open Frame: Total pins knocked down in that frame
  Understanding these scoring rules can enhance your enjoyment of the game and help you strategize for better performance. Whether you're playing casually or in a league, knowing how to keep score is an essential part of bowling.