What Is Spare And How It Is Calculated: A Easy Guide In 2024!

what is spare and how it is calculated! Is your bowling coach persistently approaching you for picking up the spares? Well, you should listen to what your instructor (or even your experienced bowler friend) tells you to do because they are not wrong. They understand the value of a spare and what it can do to elevate your bowling score. So how much is a spare in bowling? How can it truly impact your bowling scores?

In summary, missing spares is a big loss. But if you can get them, you will be glad that all of those practices didn’t go to waste. This article will describe the particulars of spares that you need to know to understand the importance of spare shooting. So stay tuned to learn more. 

What is a spare in bowling?

The spare is a particular bowling shot where a player knocks down all the ten pins in two separate throws in a single frame. Unlike strikes where a player knocks down all the pins in a single ball throw, for spares, a bowling ball is rolled twice to get all the bowling pins. When bowlers cannot get all the ten pins on their first throw of the two turns, they take their ball and roll again for a second time for the same frame. If all of the remaining pin(s) get(s) knocked down, it is called a ‘spare’ according to bowling terminology.

How much is a spare in bowling?

Spare= 10 Points

Technically, when a bowler scores a spare, they get 10 points which is the number of pins they have knocked down. Besides that 10 points, the points from the first ball (after the spare) in the next frame are added to that original 10 points. So how many points a bowler will get in a single frame depends on what the score will be on the first throw of the second frame. 

How to calculate the spares in Bowling scores?

So how would you calculate your bowling scores when you shoot some spares? This part is a bit confusing for so many bowlers. So let me clarify that with an example. 

Let’s assume, you are bowling as usual. On your first frame, you have knocked down 8 pins with your first ball roll. Then on your second roll and second frame, you have successfully got the remaining 2 pins. This means you have just rolled a spare.

Now, on your next frame, you have knocked down 6 pins and then on the next roll, you knocked down 2 of the remaining 4. Therefore, your score on the first frame would be = (8+2+6=16) and for the second frame, the score would be (6+2=8). So in total, the score on the second frame will show (16+8=24). So this is how you calculate the spares in bowling score. 

What is the highest bowling score with all spares?

Are you a bit weaker on your strike shots, but really good at picking up the spares? Well, good news! You can still earn a very decent bowling score with all spares. For that, you will have to bowl an entire game without any strikes and only spare shots. Basically, you can’t throw anything other than spares. 

So what is the highest possible bowling score with all spares? Can you score more than 200 points in a game? The answer is, no, you can’t. The most decent score with nothing but spares in a single game is 190 points. However, these 190 points are not easy to earn. 

To earn 190 points specifically with all spares, you have to roll your bowling ball aiming very differently than you usually do. On your very first frame and your first ball throw, you are gonna have to knock down 9 pins, Don’t worry, it can be any 9 pins. Just make sure there is 1 more pin left to knock down.

So now that you have one more pin at the end of the lane, be ready to get that on your next ball roll. After you knock that single pin down in the same frame, it will be a successful spare. Now to get 19 on your first frame, you will have to repeat this pattern throughout the game. This means, your point pattern should be 9-1-9-1-9, and so on. And to stay on this pattern, you have to keep getting spares where your first throw will knock down 9 pins and then the remaining 1 pin. 

So continue this method until the scoreboard shows your final score is 190. So, yes, if you keep scoring spares like this you will end up with a decent 190 final bowling score. And, that, my friend, is how you can get the highest possible with all spares.

FAQs Of What Is Spare And How It Is Calculated!

What are some fun ways to practice spares?

Playing games like “Low Ball,” where the goal is to score as low as possible by hitting no more than one pin per shot, and “Spares then Strikes,” where you first aim for a corner pin with your spare ball and then try to pick up what’s left, can make spare practice more enjoyable.

How can I improve my spare shooting percentage?

Developing a systematic approach to spare shooting, where you have a consistent method for addressing different spare situations, is key. This includes mastering techniques like cross-lane spare shooting and straight ball shooting, as well as focusing on precision and consistency in your aim and delivery.

What techniques can help me throw straight at spares?

Using a polyester or urethane bowling ball, breaking your wrist, squaring your shoulders and hips to your target, and maintaining a stable hand while rolling the ball can improve your accuracy and conversion rate, especially on tough lane conditions​.

How can I practice spares effectively during my training sessions?

Incorporating games and drills like “The Spare Game,” which provides a fun way to practice shooting at individual and multi-pin spares within a set timeframe, can help increase your average by simulating real-match pressure and scenarios.

What are some beginner tips for picking up spares?

Aligning your body correctly to face the spare while maintaining a straight walk and swing towards your aim point, practicing corner pin shots by moving to the corners of the approach, and using a 3-6-9 or similar system for adjusting your position on the lane based on the spare location are effective strategies for beginners​.

Conclusion

Spare shooting is an essential aspect of bowling. Without learning how to do it, you will fall behind and miss out on the glory. If your bowling instructors are always talking about the importance of spare shots, you should listen to them. Because not many bowlers can shoot spares properly, learning it will give you a lot of advantages. Next time, when you go practicing in your local bowling alley, try out different games to learn spare shooting the best possible way. After all, spares really do benefit you in terms of scoring and dealing with tough situations. That’s it for today, my friends. Keep on bowling with full enthusiasm and maximum finesse. Good luck!