Duckpin bowling is a variation of the sport of bowling. Here are some key features of duckpin bowling:
-
Equipment: Duckpin balls are 4+3⁄4 in (12 cm) to 5 in (12.7 cm) in diameter, weigh 3 lb 6 oz (1.5 kg) to 3 lb 12 oz (1.7 kg) each, and lack finger holes. They are significantly smaller than those used in ten-pin bowling but are slightly larger and heavier than those used in candlepin bowling. The pins are 9 inches tall and are shorter, slightly thinner, and lighter than their ten-pin equivalents.
-
Rules: Duckpin bowling has rules similar to ten-pin bowling. In a 10-frame game, bowlers try to knock down pins in the fewest rolls per frame. Bowlers have three balls per frame, instead of two as in ten-pin bowling, to knock over a set of 10 pins. If a bowler knocks down all 10 pins with their first roll in a frame, it is scored as a strike. If all the pins are knocked down in two rolls, the bowler has made a spare.
-
Difficulty: Due to the smaller ball size and lighter pins, it is more difficult for the smaller ball to achieve a strike. For this reason, similar to candlepin bowling, the bowler is allowed three rolls per frame.
Duckpin bowling is popular in some areas of the United States, particularly in Maryland where it is said to have been invented around 1900. It is also experiencing a revival of sorts, with many entertainment and food and drink businesses incorporating duckpin experiences into their venues to offer bowling without having to take up the space traditional bowling does.
