Bowling rules
1. Objective:
The goal of the game is to knock down as many pins as possible with the ball. Each player has two attempts per round to knock down all 10 pins.
2. Number of rounds:
The game usually consists of 10 rounds (or “frames”). In each round, the player has two attempts to knock down all 10 pins.
3. Start of the game:
Players take turns rolling the ball towards the pins. The player who goes first has one attempt to roll the ball toward the pins.
4. Types of shots:
- Strike: If the player knocks down all 10 pins on the first roll of a frame, it’s called a “strike.” For a strike, the player scores 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down on the next two rolls.
- Spare: If the player knocks down all 10 pins within two rolls of the same frame (but not on the first roll), it’s called a “spare.” For a spare, the player scores 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down on the next roll.
- Open Frame: If the player fails to knock down all 10 pins after two rolls, it’s an “open frame,” and the score is simply the total number of pins knocked down in both rolls.
5. Scoring:
- Each pin knocked down is worth one point.
- If a player scores a strike, they receive additional points equal to the number of pins knocked down on the next two rolls.
- If a player scores a spare, they receive additional points equal to the number of pins knocked down on the first roll of the next frame.
6. Final round (10th frame):
In the last frame, if a player scores a strike or a spare, they are awarded extra rolls. For example, if they score a strike, they get two additional rolls, while if they score a spare, they get one additional roll.
7. Maximum score:
8. Code of conduct:
- Players must not walk or move on the lane while another player is bowling.
- Players should respect the order of play.
A few highlights from history
Bowling has a long history that stretches back thousands of years. Although today it is a popular sport, its origins can be traced to various ancient cultures and it has evolved through many changes over time.
Ancient Egypt and Rome:
The earliest traces of a game resembling bowling can be found in ancient Egypt, where evidence shows people used stones and wooden objects to throw at a target. A similar practice existed in ancient Rome, where different types of ball games with targets were played.
The Middle Ages:
In Europe during the Middle Ages, games resembling modern bowling were recorded, where people would throw stones or other objects at set targets, such as trees or wooden pins. In Germany, there was a version of the game called kegeln, where the goal was to knock down nine pins. This game became the foundation for the development of modern bowling.
18th Century – The first form of modern bowling:
In the 18th century, in both Europe and the United States, bowling began to take the shape we know today. In New York, the first standardized bowling alleys were built in the late 19th century, and in 1895 the American Bowling Congress (ABC) was founded, establishing the basic rules of the game.
20th Century – Rise in popularity:
In the 1950s, bowling became massively popular, especially in the United States. Television helped promote the sport, with millions of viewers following major tournaments. During this period, modern bowling centers were developed, with automated pinsetters, making the game more accessible to the wider public.
Today, bowling is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of people playing both professionally and recreationally.
Bowling in Croatia has a relatively shorter history compared to other countries, but it quickly gained popularity. Here are a few key milestones in the history of bowling in Croatia:
The beginnings of bowling in Croatia:
Bowling became known in Croatia during the 1980s, when the first bowling centers opened, mainly in larger cities such as Zagreb, Rijeka, and Split. Interest in the sport grew in parallel with global trends in the popularization of bowling, especially in Western Europe and the United States.
Popularity and growth:
In the new millennium, bowling in Croatia has become increasingly popular among recreational players. Although it still doesn’t have the tradition of sports like football or basketball, the number of bowling centers and fans continues to grow. Cities such as Zagreb and Rijeka now have several modern bowling halls, and many centers offer tournaments and fun events.
The best bowling experience can be found at Kooglana bowling centers in Pula, Rijeka, and Zagreb, where modern bowling lanes from the world’s leading manufacturer Brunswick await you.
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