Duckpin Bowling Guide

The History of Duckpin Bowling

Duckpin bowling, a variation of standard bowling, is believed to have originated in Baltimore, Maryland at Diamond Alleys—a bowling, billiards, and pool hall—around the early 1900s. 

At the turn of the century, bowling leagues typically operated only during the winter months. In the summer, many centers closed down. However, a few centers—including Diamond Alleys—remained open during the spring and summer. Instead of traditional tenpin, Diamond Alleys used smaller six-inch balls for modified games like “cocked-hat,” which used only the 1, 7, and 10 pins, and “five back,” using the 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 pins.
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Diamond Alleys’ manager Frank Van Sant came up with the idea of fashioning standard tenpins into smaller pins to conform to the six-inch ball. He gathered a group of players to try out his new set and it was an immediate hit at Diamond Alleys. One man noted that anytime someone knocked the pins over, it looked like “a flock of flying ducks,” thus coining the term “duckpin.”  

A half-century later, in 1953, submarine designer Ken Sherman developed an automatic pinsetter for duckpin bowling that made transitions between games more seamless and, therefore, more convenient and fun, which ultimately led to its popularity throughout the country.

Duckpin Bowling Rules & Scoring

The rules of duckpin bowling are similar to standard tenpin bowling. Duckpin uses ten pins (remember, slightly smaller) and a smaller bowling ball without finger holes. Each player has three chances to knock down as many pins as they can—in theory, all ten pins in three tries. Here are the basics of scoring: 
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• If a player knocks down all 10 pins on the first try, it’s a strike (it’s rare, but it happens).
• If all 10 pins are knocked down in two tries, it’s a spare. 
• In three tries, it’s a ten. 
• If pins are leftover from all three tries, the player will get one point for each pin knocked down. 
• The player will receive ten extra points per round if they score a strike or a spare.

In duckpin bowling, the higher your score, the better.

Duckpin Bowling Tips & Tricks

Nomads Adventure Quest is the perfect place to play duckpin bowling, whether you’re looking to perfect your skills independently or just have fun with family and friends. It’s appropriate for all ages and simple to learn, which makes it a great sport to play. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you perfect your game: 

• Practice your throwing and target positions. Repetition is key! 
• Make sure you have a good grip on the ball. The ball should be the proper size for your hand so your fingers spread comfortably around it. 
• Aim for the head pin. Where the arm goes, the ball goes. ​

Throw the ball with enough force to knock down all the pins. Try to keep your swing strong and consistent.

Looking to experience duckpin bowling with a unique twist? Check out Nomads’ blacklight Highway 66 Bowling for your next night out!

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