| Believe it or not, the average recreational bowler, | | | | (total) in the larger space at the bottom of the box. |
| though capable of performing well on the bowling alley, | | | | 5. If a strike was made on the first attempt, mark it |
| may be at a total loss when it comes to being able to | | | | with an 'X' in the small box. Add 10 points (for the |
| keeping score. | | | | strike) to the total number of pins that was recorded in |
| Many bowling alleys now have an automatic scoring | | | | the previous box and write it down in the totals area |
| system that does all the figuring of the scores for | | | | of that particular frame. |
| them. While it isn't exactly a skill that can contribute to | | | | 6. If a second strike followed the first one, add 10 |
| an improved game, fully understanding bowling includes | | | | points for the first strike, another 10 for the second, but |
| knowing how to score a game. | | | | before closing the tally for this particular frame, record |
| Below is an easy way (hopefully) to follow | | | | the number of pins that fell on the next frame's first |
| walk-through of how the fallen pins convert to points | | | | attempt. Add this number to the 20 points from the |
| on the board: | | | | previous frame. |
| 1. As you may already know, each game is divided into | | | | 7. In the event of a spare, indicate a slash (/) in the |
| 10 frames. That number corresponds with the number | | | | small box after all the pins have been knocked down |
| of boxes lined up in a row next to a players name on | | | | on the second attempt. Then wait for the number of |
| the scoreboard. Each box has a smaller box inside at | | | | pins to fall on the next frame's first attempt and add |
| the top left corner. | | | | this to the 10 points from the spare. Write this number |
| 2. In the smaller box, you should write down the | | | | in the totals area of the frame where the spare was |
| number of pins that fell on the player's first try of the | | | | made. |
| frame. | | | | The tediousness of the process is overshadowed by |
| 3. In the box next to the smaller one where you | | | | the convenience of computers doing it, but it is part of |
| recorded the first attempt, write down the number of | | | | knowing what bowling is about. For one to fully |
| pins that fell on the second try. | | | | appreciate the game in all of its aspects, taking the |
| 4. Add the two numbers together and place the result | | | | time to practice it won't hurt. |