How to Keep score the right way in bowling

Bowling is such a fun group activity and is perfect for birthdays and other types of gatherings. However, if you are not a pro bowler the scoring system can be pretty confusing. This tutorial will walk you through the steps of keeping score so you will know a strike from a spare and everything in between.

Step 1: Fill in names on the scoring sheet

Fill in the names of the bowlers on your scoring sheet in the order they will be bowling.

Step 2: Note pins downed in first roll

Record the number of pins that the bowler knocks down in their first roll in the upper-left corner of the square for frame no. 1. Use an X instead of a number to denote a strike, and go on to the second frame without recording a total.

Step 3: Record second roll

Mark the number of pins knocked down in the second roll in the small square in the upper-right corner. Use a slash to denote a spare.

Step 4: Add total pins and write in bottom of square

Add the total number of pins downed in the frame if the bowler didn't throw a strike or a spare. Record this number in the bottom part of the square.

Step 5: Wait to total the frame

Wait until the next frame to calculate the total if the bowler throws a strike or a spare. They will get credit for pins in the next frame.

Step 6: Add next throw to first frame for spare

Add 10 to the number of pins knocked down in the bowler's first throw of the second frame if they threw a spare in the first frame. Write this total in the bottom part of the first frame square.

Step 7: Add next two throws to first frame for strike

Combine the total number of pins knocked down in the two throws of the second frame if the bowler threw a strike in the first. Then add 10. Write this number in the bottom of the first frame square.

Step 8: Add total for all frames to get the total game score

Add together the total score for each of a bowler's 10 frames to get their final game score.