
Candlepin bowling is a popular variant of bowling that differs from ten-pin bowling in several ways. While both use ten pins, candlepin bowling has the smallest ball, weighing about half as much as a ten-pin ball, and no finger holes, making it more difficult to control. The pins in candlepin bowling are also taller and thinner, and the game is played over ten rounds or boxes, with three balls thrown per box, adding an element of unpredictability to the game. Candlepin bowling is considered a more poetic and strategic game, full of heartbreak and poetry and luck, and is particularly popular in New England, where it originated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Game rounds | Candlepin bowling is divided into 10 rounds, each called a "box". Tenpin bowling refers to these rounds as "frames". |
| Balls per round | In candlepin bowling, players get three balls per box. In tenpin bowling, players get two balls per frame. |
| Maximum score | The maximum score in candlepin bowling is 300. |
| Ball weight | Candlepin bowling balls weigh between 2 lbs 4 oz and 2 lbs 7 oz. Tenpin bowling balls weigh between 6 lbs and 16 lbs. |
| Ball diameter | Candlepin bowling balls have a diameter of 4.5 inches. Tenpin bowling balls have a diameter of 8.5 inches. |
| Ball design | Candlepin bowling balls are handheld and do not have finger holes. Tenpin bowling balls have three finger holes. |
| Pin size | Candlepin bowling pins are taller and thinner than tenpin bowling pins. |
| Scoring | In candlepin bowling, a "spare" adds 10 plus the amount of pins knocked down on the next shot. In tenpin bowling, an X indicates a strike. |
| Lane type | Candlepin bowling lanes are often made of wood and have a deadwood area. |
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What You'll Learn

Scoring system
Candlepin bowling is a popular form of bowling that is different from ten-pin bowling in several ways, including the size and weight of the ball and pins, the number of balls thrown per frame, and the scoring system. This response will focus specifically on the scoring system of candlepin bowling and how it differs from ten-pin bowling.
Candlepin bowling is played with smaller and lighter balls than ten-pin bowling, which affects the playing strategy and scoring. In candlepin bowling, a game is divided into ten rounds or "boxes", and in each box, a player has three opportunities or balls to knock down as many pins as possible. This is different from ten-pin bowling, where bowlers throw one frame at a time, with two balls per frame. The lighter balls in candlepin bowling make the play more unpredictable, and the fallen pins are not cleared between frames, adding another layer of difficulty.
The scoring system in candlepin bowling is unique and different from ten-pin bowling. In candlepin bowling, if all ten pins are knocked down by rolling all three balls in a box, it is called a "ten-box" and is marked by an "X" (as in the Roman numeral for ten). However, no additional points are awarded for a ten-box. In contrast, in ten-pin bowling, a strike is often scored with an "X". A "spare" in candlepin bowling adds 10 plus the number of pins knocked down on the next shot to the box score. The maximum possible score in a single game of candlepin bowling is 300, but this has never been achieved.
The terms used to describe the pins left standing after the first ball is rolled also differ in candlepin bowling. For example, four pins in a diagonal line from the headpin outward are called "Four horsemen, left side" (1-2-4-7) or "Four horsemen, right side" (1-3-6-10). The term "picket fence" or "clothesline" is used in ten-pin bowling for a similar spare leave but refers to a different pin configuration in candlepin bowling.
The scoring system in candlepin bowling adds to the challenge and excitement of the game. The smaller and lighter balls, along with the taller and thinner pins, make it more difficult to knock down all the pins and achieve a high score. The strategy and unpredictability of candlepin bowling make it a popular and engaging variation of the traditional ten-pin bowling game.
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Bowling ball
Candlepin bowling is a popular form of bowling that is quite different from ten-pin bowling. While both use ten pins, candlepin bowling has the smallest ball of any bowling variant, which is about half the size of a ten-pin bowling ball and weighs less than half as much, with a maximum weight of 2 pounds and 7 ounces. The candlepin bowling ball has no finger holes, unlike the ten-pin ball which has three. The pins in candlepin bowling are also the tallest and thinnest of any bowling type, making them tough to knock down.
The rules of candlepin bowling also differ from those of ten-pin bowling. A game of candlepin bowling is divided into ten rounds or "boxes", and in each box, a player gets up to three chances to knock down as many pins as possible. In the final box, three balls are rolled regardless of the pin count, meaning three strikes can be scored. In ten-pin bowling, bowlers throw one frame at a time, with two balls per frame. Because the candlepin balls and pins are lighter, the play is more unpredictable.
The scoring system in candlepin bowling is also unique. If all ten pins are knocked down by rolling all three balls in a box, the result is a "ten-box" marked by an X, but no additional points are awarded. The bonus for a box adds 10 plus the amount of pins knocked down on the next shot. The maximum possible score in a single game of candlepin bowling is 300, but this has never been achieved.
Candlepin bowling is considered a more challenging and unpredictable game than ten-pin bowling, requiring more strategy and precision due to the smaller ball and taller, thinner pins. It is said to be a game of "heartbreak and poetry and luck", with pins that dance and dodge. Candlepin bowling is particularly popular in New England, where it is often considered the "real bowling".
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Number of rounds
Candlepin bowling and ten-pin bowling are two distinct ways to play the game. While both candlepin bowling and ten-pin bowling use ten pins, there are several differences between the two variations. One of the most notable differences is the number of rounds played in each game.
A game of candlepin bowling, often referred to as a "string" in New England, consists of ten rounds, known as "boxes". In contrast, ten-pin bowling is played in frames. Each box in candlepin bowling allows a player three attempts, or balls, to knock down as many pins as possible. This means that in a game of candlepin bowling, a player will have a total of thirty balls to play with. The final box is an exception, as three balls are rolled regardless of the pin count, allowing for three strikes to be scored in the tenth box. This differs from ten-pin bowling, where bowlers throw one frame at a time, with two balls per frame.
The scoring system in candlepin bowling is unique. If all ten pins are knocked down by rolling all three balls in a box, it is called a "ten-box" and is marked by an X, similar to the Roman numeral for ten. However, no additional points are awarded for a ten-box. The maximum possible score in a game of candlepin bowling is 300, although this has never been achieved.
The number of rounds and scoring system in candlepin bowling adds an element of unpredictability to the game. The lighter pins and balls in candlepin bowling compared to ten-pin bowling contribute to this unpredictability, making candlepin bowling a more challenging and nuanced game.
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Terminology
Candlepin bowling is a popular form of bowling that is distinct from ten-pin bowling, despite both games using ten pins. The terminology used in candlepin bowling reflects the unique rules and equipment of this specific type of bowling.
One of the most notable differences in terminology is the use of the term "box" in candlepin bowling instead of "frame" as in ten-pin bowling. A game of candlepin bowling is divided into ten rounds or "boxes", and in each box, a player gets up to three chances or balls to knock down as many pins as possible. The final box is unique in that three balls are rolled regardless of the number of pins left standing, allowing for the possibility of three strikes in the final box.
The scoring system in candlepin bowling also has its own terminology. For example, if all ten pins are knocked down by using all three balls in a box, it is called a "ten-box" and is marked by an "X", similar to the Roman numeral for ten. However, no additional points are awarded for a ten-box. A "spare" in candlepin bowling refers to a bonus of 10 plus the number of pins knocked down on the next shot. The term "Deadwood" is used to describe when a ball hits the lane or standing pins, and if a ball strikes any Deadwood before hitting the pins, that ball is considered "dead" and does not count towards the player's score.
Candlepin bowling also has unique terms to describe the pins left standing after the first ball is rolled. For example, four pins in a diagonal line from the headpin outward can be called the "Four Horsemen, left side" (1-2-4-7) or "Four Horsemen, right side" (1-3-6-10). The arrangement of pins in candlepin bowling is referred to as a "rack", and bowlers need to press a button to receive a new rack of pins after each roll.
The equipment used in candlepin bowling also differs from ten-pin bowling and has its own terminology. The candlepin bowling ball is smaller and lighter, weighing between 2 pounds 4 ounces and 2 pounds 7 ounces, with a diameter of about 4.5 inches. Unlike ten-pin bowling balls, candlepin bowling balls do not have finger holes. The pins in candlepin bowling are also distinct, being tall, thin, and cylindrical, making them more challenging to knock down.
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Pin shape
Candlepin bowling and ten-pin bowling both use ten pins, but the shape of the pins in candlepin bowling is notably different. The candlepin variety features tall, thin, cylinder-like pins, which are smaller than the standard ten-pin variety. In fact, candlepin pins are the tallest and thinnest of all bowling pins.
The shape of the pins in candlepin bowling makes the game notoriously difficult. The pins are lighter and more susceptible to movement, making the game unpredictable. They dance and dodge, sometimes falling over when you least expect it and sometimes persevering. This adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the game.
The fallen pins in candlepin bowling are not cleared between frames, which adds another layer of complexity to the game. The fallen pins can interfere with the standing pins, and players must use angles to navigate the obstacles.
The unique pin shape in candlepin bowling also affects the ball's trajectory and scoring. The pins and balls in candlepin bowling are roughly the same weight, resulting in significant deflection. This makes it challenging to hit the headpin accurately, and even top professionals may only achieve a 70-80% success rate on the first ball.
The candlepin bowling pin shape, combined with the small ball size, makes the game strategically demanding and full of surprises. It is a game of precision, angles, and luck, where players must adapt to the ever-changing pin configuration and fallen pins on the lane.
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Frequently asked questions
In 10-pin bowling, bowlers throw one frame at a time, with two balls per frame. In candlepin bowling, bowlers throw two frames, usually called boxes, with three balls per box.
Candlepin bowling has the smallest ball but the tallest, thinnest pins. The bowling balls weigh anywhere from 2 lbs 4 oz to 2 lbs 7 oz and are about half the size of a 10-pin bowling ball. The pins are arranged in a triangular shape, just like 10-pins, but are more likely to fall over unexpectedly.
In candlepin bowling, if all ten pins are knocked down by rolling all three balls in a box, the result is a ten-box, marked by an X. No additional points are awarded. In 10-pin bowling, a strike is often scored with an X.










































