Bowling

The bowler is allowed ten frames in which to knock down pins, with frames one (1) through nine (9) being composed of up to two rolls.
A game of bowling consists of ten frames. In each frame, the bowler will have two chances to knock down as many pins as possible with his bowling ball.
In games with more than one bowler, as is common, every bowler will take his frame in a predetermined order before the next frame begins.

Scoring System

One point is scored for each pin that is knocked over.
If a player bowls over three pins with the first shot, then six with the second, the player would receive a total of nine points for that frame.
If a player knocks down 9 pins with the first shot, but misses with the second, the player would also score nine.
When a player fails to knock down all ten pins after their second ball it is known as an open frame.
If a bowler is able to knock down all ten pins with the first ball, he is awarded a strike.
If the bowler is able to knock down all 10 pins with the two balls of a frame, it is known as a spare.
Bonus points are awarded for both of these, depending on what is scored in the next 2 balls (for a strike) or 1 ball (for a spare).
If the bowler knocks down all 10 pins in the tenth frame, the bowler is allowed to throw 3 balls for that frame.
This allows for a potential of 12 strikes in a single game, and a maximum score of 300 points, a perfect game.

Equipment

Playing area

A bowling lane is 60 feet (18.29 m) from the foul line to the head pin (1-pin).
About 15 feet (4.57 m) from the foul line are a set of guide arrows.
The lane is 41.5 inches (1.05 m) wide and normally consists of 39 wooden boards or a synthetic material.
The bowling lane has two sets of approach dots; from the foul line back to the first set of approach dots is about 12 feet (3.66 m) and to the second set of approach dots is about 15 feet (4.57 m).

Pins

A pin must be 15 inches (38 cm) tall and about 4.7 inches (12 cm) wide at its widest point, where a rolling ball would make contact.
There are additional measurements which delineate the shape.
The weight of a single pin must be at least 3 pounds 6 ounces and no more than 3 pounds 10 ounces (1.53–1.64 kg).

Bowling ball

The circumference of the ball must not be more than 2.25 feet (0.69 m), and the ball cannot weigh more than 16 pounds (7.26 kg).
Have as many as five holes for gripping purposes

Shoes

Bowling shoes possess an intermediate style between regular dress shoes and the athletic type.
The sole of the non sliding foot is generally made of rubber similar to that of a basketball sneaker to create stability.

Gloves

• A bowling glove is a glove with a metal wrist support and a textured face that offers support in order to enhance grip.

Major tournaments

Governing Bodies

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