Bowldle · Guides

Bowling guides

Plain-English guides to bowling: scoring, strikes, spares, hooks, oil patterns and more. New guides are added regularly.

• How to play BowldleLearn how to play Bowldle, the free daily bowling game: swipe controls, how lane oil patterns change your hook, tips for more strikes, and FAQs.
• Bowling score calculatorFree bowling score calculator. Tap in each ball and get your score with strikes, spares and the tenth frame handled, plus a simple guide to how bowling scoring works.
• How to throw a hookLearn how to throw a hook in bowling: why a hook strikes more often, the grip, the release that creates spin, aiming at the arrows, and common mistakes.
• How to pick up sparesPick up more spares in bowling: throw spares straight, shoot cross-lane at the 10 pin and 7 pin, use the 3-6-9 system, and aim at the key pin on multi-pin leaves.
• Bowling oil patterns explainedHow bowling lane oil patterns work: why lanes are oiled, short versus long patterns, house shots versus sport shots, the rule of 31, and how oil changes as you bowl.
• Bowling terms glossaryA plain-English glossary of bowling terms: turkey, hambone, double, split, bedposts, washout, tap, pocket, Brooklyn, deadwood, handicap and more.
• How to bowl a strikeHow to bowl more strikes: aim for the pocket, come in at an angle, use the arrows, adjust your feet, and read what your leaves are telling you.
• Bowling tips for beginnersSimple bowling tips for beginners: pick the right ball, start from the same spot, aim at the arrows, let the ball swing, follow through and make your spares.
• What weight bowling ball to useHow to choose a bowling ball weight: the 10% rule, typical weights for kids and adults, signs a ball is too heavy or too light, and why fit matters.

Looking for today's lane? See the Bowldle lane guide.