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Duck Pin Bowling

Enjoy the ultimate duck pin bowling experience at Roxy

It may look like bowling’s little brother but with shorter lanes, feather-light balls, and squat, duck-shaped pins—winging it won’t cut it here.

Without the weight of ten pin, this retro game moves much faster, demanding finesse over force to outscore the competition. Scoring a strike is trickier, so bowlers get three rolls per frame to hit their mark. Plucky players will use this extra shot to their advantage, steadily racking up points with each frame to soar to victory.

how to play duck pin bowling

Although there are some key differences between duck pin and ten pin bowling, much of the rules remain the same so if you’ve played ten pin bowling before you will pick up duck pin bowling like a pro in no time!

Set Yourself Up

Head to the Games Desk and you’ll be assigned your lane/s by one of our team. Don’t forget to grab a drink from the bar before you head over!

Get settled, then the first player rolls their first ball. All duck pin bowling balls are the same weight, much lighter than ten pin bowling balls, and will fit into your palm and they do not have holes to put your fingers. Each player gets their turn on the bowling lane. The game typically consists of ten frames, with each player rolling three balls per frame.

Rolling the ball

Stand at the end of the lane, behind the foul line, and take a couple of steps back from the line. The ball should be pushed out in front of you, and then swung behind you as you step forwards towards the lane.

Finally, swing the ball to the front and release the ball on your final step towards the bowling lane.

Perfecting your Aim

Sorry to state the obvious, but the better your aim, the more you will score! When looking for a spot to aim for when releasing the ball, aim for the middle arrow on the lane – not the middle pin! This will ensure your aim is more accurate.

Frame Completion

Each game consists of ten frames. And with duck pin bowling, each frame consists of three throw attempts, compared to ten pin bowling’s two throws per frame. After each player completes their turn in a frame, the next player or team takes their turn.

Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated throughout! Order drinks directly from the bar, through a team member to deliver to your lane, via the QR code on your table, or via the screen kiosks on the lanes (venue dependant).

Calculate Scores

Scores are automatically tallied after each frame.

The total score is the sum of all points earned in all ten frames, including bonuses for strikes and spares – our bowling technology does all this for you and shows the scores on the screen above your lane.

Who’s the Champion?

The player or team with the highest total score at the end of ten frames wins!

Celebrate your win with a cheer, a dance, special victory walk, pose for a photo, another drink… up to you!

Where to play duck pin bowling

Let the good times roll with a retro game of duck pin bowling. You’ll find duck pin bowling at various Roxy Lanes and Roxy Ball Room venues across the UK.

Find My Nearest

Venues with duck pin bowling

Birmingham, Victoria Square

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Bristol, Union Street

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Cardiff, The Friary

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Cheltenham, High Street

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Edinburgh, Rose Street

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Leeds, Merrion Street

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London, St Mary Axe

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Manchester, Deansgate

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Nottingham, The Cornerhouse

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Sheffield, Charter Square

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York, The Stonebow

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Duck Pin Bowling FAQs

Have questions about your duck pin bowling experience? From setting up to improving your skills, we’ve got everything covered to help you make the most of your time at Roxy. Explore the FAQs below for tips, and safety guidelines to ensure a fun and seamless night for all!

What’s the difference between duck pin bowling and ten pin bowling?

Duck pin bowling uses smaller, lighter balls and pins on a shorter lane, and players get three rolls per frame. Ten pin bowling uses larger balls and pins, and players have two rolls per frame. Additionally, the scoring system and lane dimensions differ between the two variations. Both are equally fun and offer different challenges! Check out more information on ten pin bowling here.

Why are the balls smaller in duck pin bowling than in ten pin bowling?

The smaller size of the balls in duckpin bowling accommodates the smaller size of the pins, enhancing control and precision. This ensures a challenging yet accessible game for players of all ages and skill levels!

Why is it called duck pin bowling?

Duck pin bowling is called so because the shorter, squatter pins resemble the shape of a duck, particularly with their wide bodies and narrow necks.

How long does a ten pin bowling game typically last?

A typical game of duck pin bowling lasts around 10 minutes per player per game, but this can vary depending on factors like skill level.

Do I need to wear bowling shoes?

At Roxy you can wear your own shoes on the lanes. If using your own shoes, please ensure they are a safe, flat-soled and non-marking shoe. Heels, open-toe, flip-flops or similar footwear are not permitted, bowling shoes can be found at the Games Desk.

Can children play duck pin bowling?

Yes, duck pin bowling is suitable for children at Roxy Lanes – and since the balls are much lighter and smaller is often a more preferable game for smaller children. We offer the barriers, plus ramps to make it easier for children to play – please ask at the Games Desk for this equipment. Please note- we do not allow under-18s in our Roxy Ball Room venues that have duck pin bowling. Roxy Lanes venues welcomes under-18s until 5pm.

Are there any safety precautions I should be aware of while playing?

Do not step over the bowling line at the start of the lane surface, our lanes are coated with a special oil varnish to protect them, the bowling surface is really slippery.

Pick up the balls carefully and do not throw them anywhere other than down the bowling lane.

Whilst you are waiting to bowl, please do not touch the balls that are on the rack as your fingers could become trapped when the ball returns.

Do not place your hand inside the ball return at any time. Wait until the ball has returned fully onto the rack, if a ball does not return fully please ask a member of our team to assist you.

Should you notice any slippery surface or spill a drink yourself, please call over one of our team members who will be happy to help.

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