Ten-Pin Bowling Terms to Impress Your Friends at the Alley
Bowling might seem straightforward at first—just aim, roll and hope to knock down as many pins as possible. But if you've ever overheard seasoned bowlers chatting about "turkeys" "splits" or "the pocket", you’ll know there’s a whole world of unique terminology that brings extra excitement to the game.
Understanding these terms can not only boost your bowling skills but also help you appreciate the sport even more. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential ten-pin bowling terms you need to know, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to impress your mates at the alley.
Strike
Have you ever heard someone yell "strike!" in bowling and wondered what they’re saying? We've got the answer for you!
If you’re aiming for a win, then this is the bowling term you absolutely need to know. In ten-pin bowling, the goal is to score as high as possible and one of the best ways to do that is by achieving a strike.
A strike happens when you manage to knock down all ten pins with just the first roll—a true display of accuracy, speed and power. Not only is it extremely satisfying to watch every pin crash down in one clean sweep, but it also earns you the prized “X” on the scorecard, symbolising a perfect roll.
A strike doesn’t just boost your score, it also gives you bonus points for the next two turns, making it a critical part of high-scoring games. So next time you’re on the lane, aim for that strike and let the “X” lead you one step closer to victory!
Spare
Consistency is key, and sometimes that means needing both rolls to take down all ten pins - which is called a spare. So, what is a spare in bowling?
It may not carry quite the same thrill as a strike, but a spare is still crucial for keeping your score high and your game strong! On the scorecard, it’s marked with a “/”, signifying that you cleared the frame successfully. Spares also earn you extra points, as your score for that frame is boosted by the pins you knock down on your next roll. So, even if you don’t get a strike every time, a well-aimed spare can still make all the difference in securing that winning score!
Gutter Ball
In the game of bowling, not every roll will go as planned and that’s where the infamous gutter ball comes into play.
We’ve all been there when you’ve gone for the strike but veered off course and ended up in the gutter—the deep troughs on either side of the lane—resulting in a score of zero.
It’s a disappointing moment for any bowler, often accompanied by a collective laugh from friends and groans from teammates. Gutter balls can happen for various reasons, from miscalculating your aim to an unexpected twist in the ball’s path. While they’re all part of the game, they serve as a reminder of the challenges bowlers face on the lane.
So, while no one likes to see that ball roll off into the abyss, it’s all in good fun. Embrace the mishaps, learn from them and get ready for the next roll!
Turkey
You might have heard of the term ‘turkey’ and are wondering how that relates to bowling. Rolling a turkey means that you’ve achieved three strikes in a row and - in our opinion - is one of the most exhilarating accomplishments you can experience!
There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching all ten pins fall consecutively and scoring a turkey not only boosts your score but also highlights your skill on the lanes. But the excitement doesn’t end there! If you keep the momentum going and rack up even more strikes, you’ll enter the realm of the four-bagger or five-bagger, depending on how many consecutive strikes you achieve. Each additional strike raises the stakes and adds to the thrill of the game. So, whether you’re celebrating with friends or competing in a league, keep your eye on the pins and let the good times roll.
Badger
Similar to the beloved ‘turkey’, achieving five consecutive strikes will earn you the informal title of a "badger."
Just like three strikes in a row is celebrated as a “turkey”, bowlers often have fun with animal-themed names for longer strike streaks. The thrill of hitting a badger not only showcases your skill but also adds a playful twist to the game.
So, as you aim for those strikes, keep your eyes peeled for the chance to unleash your inner badger and impress your friends with a never-ending streak on the lanes!
Split
Encountering a split in bowling can be one of the most challenging scenarios you might face. So what happens when you score a split in bowling? This term describes a tricky pin setup that occurs after your first roll, where two or more pins are left standing with a significant gap between them.
This can make it incredibly difficult to knock down the remaining pins with a single roll, requiring both the skill and the precision to convert the split into a spare. The sight of those widely spaced pins can be intimidating, but overcoming this challenge adds an extra layer of excitement to the game.
So, when you find yourself staring down a split, remember to channel your inner bowling ball and show those pins what you’re made of!
Brooklyn
When a right-handed bowler's ball unexpectedly hits the left side of the headpin (or the right side for left-handed bowlers), it’s known as a Brooklyn. This term captures that moment when an errant roll unexpectedly leads to a strike, catching everyone by surprise.
While it might not be the shot you intended, it can turn into a thrilling outcome, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the game. The excitement of a Brooklyn strike reminds us that sometimes, even unplanned rolls can lead to spectacular results.
Perfect Game
Achieving a score of 300 in bowling is the ultimate dream for any bowler, representing the pinnacle of perfection in the sport.
This impressive feat occurs when you roll twelve consecutive strikes in a single game, knocking down all ten pins with each throw. Not only does a perfect game showcase your skill but it also brings an electrifying energy to the lanes, often celebrated by fellow bowlers and spectators alike.
With each strike, the excitement builds and by the final roll, anticipation is at its peak. If you’re fortunate enough to hit that magical score, you’ll join an elite group of bowlers who have experienced the thrill of a perfect game—an unforgettable moment in your bowling journey!
The pocket refers to the sweet spot between the headpin and the adjacent pins, specifically the area between the 1 and 2 pins for left-handed bowlers and the 1 and 3 pins for right-handed bowlers.
Targeting the pocket is key to increasing your chances of rolling a strike, as it creates the optimal angle for the ball to deflect off the pins and maximise the impact. Successfully hitting the pocket can lead to satisfying crashes and cascades of pins, making every roll feel exhilarating and can significantly enhance your performance on the lanes!
Foul
A bowling foul is when your body crosses the line at the beginning of the lane can be a bowler's worst nightmare, as it results in a score of zero for that roll. This line marks the boundary between the approach area and the lane itself and stepping over it, whether out of excitement or miscalculation, means your shot doesn’t count.
It’s a reminder to watch out and stay focused to control your movements as you prepare to roll. While it can be frustrating to lose a chance at scoring, learning to respect the foul line is an essential part of improving your bowling skills.
Book Now to Put Your Bowling Knowledge To The Test
Bowling is more than just a game, it’s about making memories and enjoying a little friendly competition. With terms like “strike” and “turkey” now in your arsenal, you’re ready to impress on the lanes!
Whether it’s a family outing, a group hangout or a fun date, Hollywood Bowl offers the perfect setting. Book your lanes and one of our centres today and get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with laughter and a few high scores!