Open Frame vs Closed Frame In Bowling (Similarities & Differences)

Do you understand what frame is in bowling? Then learning about open and closed frames wouldn’t be too much of a problem for you. Both open frames and closed frames are very common in bowling games. If you’re very new to this sport, you have unknowingly left many frames open as well as closed. For bowlers who haven’t got the proper explanation of this matter in bowling, this article is just for you. To learn the differences, have a look at the discussion of open frame vs closed frame in this article and acknowledge yourself. So without further ado, let’s get started, shall we?

What does open frame mean in bowling?

As many of you know by now, a bowling game contains 10 frames. Meaning, a player gets multiple chances to throw their bowling balls. On each frame, bowlers get two options to knock down all 10 pins. If you can knock all of them down in a single ball throw, congratulations, that’s a strike. If you can get all the 10 pins in two different ball throws, that’s a spare. So what happens when you cannot get all the 10 pins in a single frame? This is what we like to call an “open frame”. So when the term “open frame” is used, bowlers indicate one or more remaining pins at the end of the lane.

What does closed frame mean in bowling?

So is the closed frame exactly the opposite of the open frame? Well, yeah. Pretty much so. When you can get all the 10 pins in a frame, you closed it. A closed frame occurs only when bowlers score a strike or a spare. For a spare, bowlers need two shots to knock down all the bowling pins. However, for a strike, you only need one as you get all the pins in a single shot. After a strike, your bowling frame is closed and you move on to the next frame. 

What are the differences between open frame and closed frame?

How many differences do these two kinds of frames create? Well, a lot.

1. When there are some pins left behind in a single frame, it is an open frame. When there are no pins left behind in a frame and you have managed to score a strike or a spare, it is a closed frame.

2. To have a frame open, you need one or more than one pin at the bowling pin deck. As long as there are one or multiple pins standing at the end of the lane, you have not closed the frame successfully. Oppositely, when you see no remaining pin after a single shot, that’s a strike and it’s a closed frame. And when you knock down all the pins with dual shots, it is a closed frame.

3. Closed frames can only be achieved through strikes and spares. Open frames are achieved easily, as long as you don’t secure any spare or strike.

4. You achieve more points when the frame is closed. With open frames, the overall bowling score doesn’t get too high. Without some closed frame, it is not possible to earn a decent bowling score. So each frame type has a great impact on your overall bowling score. Of course, as a smart bowler, opt for closed frames so that your score only gets higher. The more the number of closed frames in a single game, the higher your bowling score will get. This will also improve your bowling average.

So does that answer your question? I have pointed out the main differences that every bowler should be aware of. I hope now you can understand the difference between open frames and closed frames better.

Conclusion

So do you now understand what open frames are? There’s nothing wrong with having one unless you’re opting to become a professional bowler someday. Try to reduce the number of open frames when you bowl. Frame rules in bowling are important, and learning about open and closed frames is just as essential. So if you weren’t aware of this before, well, congratulations, now you do! If you have any more questions on your mind, get in touch with me. I will try to answer your questions one by one. Till then, good luck and keep on bowling, my fellow bowlers! See ya later!