Classic tenpin bowling uses ten pins in a triangle and ten frames per game. Scoring depends on when pins fall, not just how many: strikes and spares include subsequent rolls. Our browser edition adds optional Plus rules.
In this guide
Ten pins and one frame
Pins stand in rows of 1, 2, 3 and 4. Our teaching diagram uses the usual numbering from headpin 1 to the back row 7 through 10. Fallen pins are removed after a roll; standing pins remain for the second attempt. A strike ends an ordinary frame immediately.
Position as text
Top view, approach from below. Rows front to back: 1; 2,3; 4,5,6; 7,8,9,10.
How open frames, spares and strikes score
An open frame scores its fallen pins. A spare scores 10 plus the next roll; a strike scores 10 plus the next two rolls. In frame ten, spares and strikes grant the extra rolls needed to complete those bonuses. These do not create an eleventh frame.
Further reading: USBC: Keeping Score
An original scoring example step by step
Our sequence starts X, then 7 and /, then 9 and 0. Frame one scores 10+7+3=20. Frame two scores 10+9=19. Frame three scores 9. The completed total after three frames is 48. The three pins on the second roll count as three for the earlier strike, not another ten.
Position as text
Frame 1 strike: 20. Frame 2 spare: cumulative 39. Frame 3 nine and zero: cumulative 48.
Why Plus points can be higher
With the position multiplier, the five starting spots read 3–2–1–2–3 from left to right. Classic bowling multiplies each roll’s base pin value; strike and spare bonuses stay unmultiplied. A factor-3 strike followed by 7 and 3 therefore gives the first frame 30+7+3=40 Plus points rather than 20 regular bowling points.
For comparable classic scores, turn the multiplier off in Variants. After a completed frame its last starting spot is locked for the next frame. These changing spots belong to the browser edition; even without multipliers it is not a complete simulation of a real competition.
Controls and settings
Move the ball sideways to select one of five starting spots; drag higher on the lane to adjust direction. Sliders also offer spin and power. Throw launches the ball; the small i beside it opens the scorecard. Settings include an aiming guide, balanced or battery-saver rendering, timer, reduced motion and sound. Negative spin curves left, positive spin right.