Duck pin bowling is like the little sibling of ten pin bowling, and demands finesse over force! With shorter lanes, lighter balls, precision is key in this retro twist on classic bowling where the most points after 10 frames is named champion. It’s a faster-paced, more exciting alternative, perfect for those seeking a new challenge. So, grab a lane, aim carefully, and let the good times roll!
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. Aim of the game? The person with the highest score (out of 300) at the end of the game wins, so with these How To Play tips and tricks you’re sure to be a bowling superstar!
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 Up: Each player gets their turn on the bowling lane. The game typically consists of ten frames, with each player rolling three balls per frame.
1. Set Yourself Up:
2. Rolling the Ball:
3. Perfecting your Aim:
4. Frame Completion:
5. Calculate Scores:
6. Who’s the Champion?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
