tenpins

Tenpins, or ten-pin bowling, is a sport in which players roll a bowling ball along a narrow lane to knock over ten pins arranged in a triangular formation at the far end. The object is to achieve a high score by knocking down pins across ten frames of play. In each frame a player has up to two rolls to knock down pins; in the tenth frame strikes and spares may earn a third roll.

Pins and equipment: Pins are 15 inches tall and set in a standard 1-2-3-4 formation. Players use a bowling ball with three finger holes, typically made of polyurethane or reactive resin. Lanes are oiled and have gutters on either side to guide errant balls. Pinsetter machines raise pins between frames, and automatic scoring systems record results.

Scoring and play: A frame is scored by the number of pins knocked down, with bonuses. A strike, knocking down all ten with the first ball, scores 10 plus the total of the next two rolls. A spare, knocking down all remaining pins with two balls, scores 10 plus the next roll. The tenth frame can grant extra rolls for strikes or spares.

Competition and governance: Tenpin bowling is played in amateur, collegiate, and professional contexts worldwide. It is organized internationally by World Bowling and nationally by bodies such as the United States Bowling Congress. The sport emphasizes technique, ball speed, revs, and angle, and lane conditions.

History: Modern tenpin bowling developed in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with standardized equipment and rules established by bowling organizations. The sport remains popular in bowling centers worldwide, with numerous leagues and tournaments.