duckpin bowling
Duckpin bowling is a unique and accessible variation of the traditional bowling sport, characterized by several distinct features:
Equipment
- The balls used in duckpin bowling are smaller and lighter, measuring 4+3â„4 inches to 5 inches (12 cm to 12.7 cm) in diameter and weighing between 3 lb 6 oz and 3 lb 12 oz (1.5 kg to 1.7 kg). These balls lack finger holes, making them fit entirely in the palm of the hand235.
- The pins are also smaller, shorter, and lighter than those in ten-pin bowling. They are arranged in the same triangular formation as in ten-pin bowling but are more challenging to knock down due to their size and the smaller ball2.
Rules
- A game of duckpin bowling consists of 10 frames, similar to ten-pin bowling. However, each frame allows the bowler three rolls to knock down all 10 pins, rather than the two rolls in ten-pin bowling.
- Scoring follows similar principles: a strike is scored if all pins are knocked down with the first roll, a spare if all pins are knocked down in two rolls, and a "ten" if all pins are knocked down in three rolls. For strikes and spares, bonus points are awarded based on the next rolls2.
Lanes
- Duckpin bowling lanes are the same size as ten-pin bowling lanes, but they have smaller gutters. This makes the game slightly more forgiving but still challenging due to the smaller equipment2.
History
- The origins of duckpin bowling are somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have started in the late 19th century, with references dating back to at least 1894 in areas such as New Haven, Boston, and Lowell, Massachusetts. The sport was not formally organized until the National Duckpin Bowling Congress (NDBC) was founded in 19272.
Variants
- There are variants of duckpin bowling, such as "rubber band duckpins," introduced in 1905, where pins are circled with hard rubber bands to increase rebound action and scoring. Another variant is "mini duckpins," which uses shorter lanes and non-standard lane widths2.
Accessibility and Popularity
- Duckpin bowling is gaining popularity among casual bowlers due to its accessibility and the smaller space requirements for the lanes. It is often featured in non-traditional bowling venues such as bars, breweries, and corporate spaces45.