Tyler Brooks
Candlepin bowling is a variation of bowling that is played primarily in the Canadian Maritime provinces and the New England region of the United States. The game involves players rolling a small handheld-sized ball, similar in size to a softball, down a 60-foot wooden or synthetic lane to knock down as many tall, narrow pins as possible. The pins resemble candles, hence the name. The rules are simple: each player gets three rolls per turn to knock down ten pins. If all ten pins are knocked down with the first ball, it's a strike, and the player receives ten points plus the count of the next two rolls. Candlepin bowling is a unique and exciting game that requires skill, timing, dexterity, and patience. It's a challenging sport that demands precision and a good eye.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ball size | 4.5 inches in diameter |
| Ball weight | 2 lb 7 oz (1.11 kg) |
| Pin size | Tall and thin |
| Pin weight | 2 lb 8 oz (1.13 kg) |
| Lane material | Wood or synthetic |
| Lane length | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Number of pins | 10 |
| Number of rolls per turn | 3 |
| Scoring | 10 points for a strike, 10 points for a spare |
| Origin | Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Year of origin | 1880 |
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What You'll Learn
History of candlepin bowling
Candlepin bowling is a variation of bowling that is played primarily in the Canadian Maritime provinces and the New England region of the United States. It is played with a handheld-sized ball and tall, narrow pins that resemble candles, hence the name.
Candlepin bowling was founded in 1880 in Worcester, Massachusetts, by Justin White, a bowling alley owner in the city. White worked throughout the 1880s to get the dimensions of both the balls and pins just right. While White is credited with the initial idea for candlepin bowling, Jack Monsey and Jack Sheafe are credited with bringing the game to surrounding Massachusetts towns and establishing rules and regulations. In 1906, Monsey established the National Duckpin and Candlepin Congress, which helped to create leagues in the greater Worcester area and regulate the size, shape, and weight of the pins and balls.
In its early years, "pin boys" would gather fallen pins and set and reset the game for players. This changed in 1947 when Howard Dowd and Lionel Barrow invented the first automatic candlepin pinsetter, called the "Bowl-Mor". In the 1950s, candlepin bowling tournaments began to be aired on TV, with the first televised show airing from 1958 through 1996. In 1965, the World Candlepin Bowling Council (WCPC) began its Hall of Fame, which currently has over 200 members.
Despite its popularity in New England, the game did not expand nationwide. Candlepin bowling center owners blame the larger bowling industry’s disinvestment in candlepin alleys due to a lack of repeat pin and machine sales. The game is also more challenging than tenpin bowling, which may have contributed to its limited expansion.
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Rules of the game
Candlepin bowling is a unique bowling game played in New England and the Canadian Maritime Provinces. The rules of the game are quite simple.
Each player gets three rolls per turn to knock over a set of ten skinny pins arranged in a pyramid, with one pin in the nearest row and four pins in the furthest row. One point is scored for each pin that is knocked over. So, if a player knocks down three pins with their first ball, five with their second, and one with the third, they receive nine points for that turn. If a player knocks down all ten pins in a turn, it is called a "strike" and is marked with an X, but no additional points are awarded. The maximum possible score in a single game is 300, which has never been achieved.
There are also specific rules regarding fouls and player conduct. For example, players must not step on or over the foul line when releasing the ball, nor should they make contact with any part of the bowling apparatus beyond the foul line. If a bowler rolls on the wrong lane or out of turn, they must complete the frame, and the pins they knock down will be added to their score. Late arrivals can join subsequent strings but cannot compete in the current string if their team has already started the sixth frame. In addition, no non-bowlers, except scorers, are allowed in the bowling area during a match or league game.
In the case of mechanical problems, bowlers will continue to use the functioning lane in pairs until the issue is resolved. Teams finishing late due to machine breakdowns or slow bowlers must move to another lane as soon as one becomes available.
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Bowling ball and pin specifications
Candlepin bowling balls are much smaller than those used in ten-pin bowling, with a diameter of about 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) and weighing between 2 pounds 4 ounces (1.0 kg) and 2 pounds 7 ounces (1.1 kg to 1.13 kg). They do not have finger holes and are small enough to be held in the palm of the hand. The balls are made of urethane or rubber and may have plasticized covers. They are also slower, with an average speed of 28-32 mph.
Candlepin bowling pins are tall, narrow, and cylindrical, resembling candles, hence the name. They are 15.75 inches (40 cm) tall, with a slight narrowing at the ends, giving them an overall candle-like appearance. The pins weigh a maximum of 2 pounds 8 ounces (1.13 kg) each and are spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart, making it impossible for the ball to strike every pin.
The bowling lane in candlepin bowling is similar to that of ten-pin bowling, with an approach area of 14 to 16 feet (4.3 to 4.9 m) and a lane width of approximately 41 inches (1.05 m). The lane surface is made of maple and is bounded by gutters on either side. At the end of the lane are the pins, placed by a pinsetter machine. The lane does not have oil applied to it, so the ball rolls all the way down without skidding.
Candlepin bowling also differs from ten-pin bowling in that players are allowed three rolls per frame instead of two, and knocked-down pins are not cleared away between balls, allowing players to aim for "deadwood" to help knock down remaining pins.
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Bowling lane specifications
Candlepin bowling lane specifications
Candlepin bowling lanes are almost identical to ten-pin bowling lanes. The approach area for candlepin bowling is the same as that for ten-pin bowling, measuring 14 to 16 feet (4.3 to 4.9 m). The lane itself is a maple surface approximately 41 inches (1.05 m) wide, bounded on either side by a gutter (or "channel" or "trough"). The lane is separated from the approach by a "foul line", which players must not cross.
At the end of the lane are the pins, 60 feet (18 m) from the foul line to the centre of the headpin (or pin #1). The pins are placed by a pinsetter machine, which occupies space above and behind the pins. Unlike a tenpin lane, which is level from the foul line to the back end, a candlepin lane has a "pin plate" where the pins are set up, depressed 7⁄16 inch (11 mm) below the lanebed forward.
In addition to the foul line, there is a "lob line" 10 feet (3.0 m) down the lane. The ball must first make contact with the lane at any point on the bowler's side of this line, or it is termed a lob, and any pins knocked down do not count. A third line, the "dead wood line", is centred 24 inches (61 cm) forward of the head pin. This defines the maximum forward limit that any toppled pins can occupy and still be legally playable.
Candlepin bowling lanes do not have oil applied, so the ball rolls all the way down the lane. Wood lanes are much more common in candlepins.
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Techniques and tips for beginners
Candlepin bowling is a challenging sport that requires precision and patience. Here are some techniques and tips for beginners to get started and improve their game:
Understand the Equipment
Candlepin bowling uses smaller balls than traditional ten-pin bowling, with balls being about the size of a softball and only slightly wider than the pins. The pins are slender, and the ball is lightweight. Understanding these differences and how they affect your play is essential to developing effective strategies.
Grip and Control
Hold the ball with your fingertips rather than cupping it in your palm. This gives you more control over the direction of the ball. Focus on accuracy and follow through after releasing the ball to improve your aim over time.
Aim and Strategy
Concentrate on one pin at a time. Aim for the headpin, and consider using spot bowling techniques to focus on specific targets. Candlepin bowling is less about strength and more about precision, so take your time and be disciplined with your technique.
Lane and Ball Considerations
Wood lanes are more common in candlepin bowling and can affect how the ball rolls and interacts with the pins. Angles are important when playing on wood lanes. Additionally, consider the weight and brand of the ball you are using. Different balls may offer slight variations in hardness, which can impact your play, especially when playing on wood lanes.
Practice and Consistency
Candlepin bowling is a challenging sport that requires patience and practice. Even top professionals might only have a 70-80% success rate in hitting the headpin. Remember that improvement comes with consistent practice and a disciplined approach to refining your technique.
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Frequently asked questions
Candlepin bowling is a variation of bowling that is played primarily in the Canadian Maritime provinces and the New England region of the United States. It involves using a handheld-sized ball to knock down tall, narrow pins that resemble candles.
The rules of candlepin bowling are quite simple. Each player must roll a small ball down a wooden lane to knock over a set of ten skinny pins arranged in a pyramid fashion. Each player gets three rolls per turn. If all ten pins are knocked down with the first ball (a strike), the player receives ten points plus the count on the next two rolls.
Proper candlepin technique is to aim for the spots and arrows. The average speed for a competitive male bowler is around 28-32 mph. It is important to note that candlepin bowling does not involve oil on the lane, so the ball rolls all the way down the lane.
Candlepin bowling was first played in 1880 in Worcester, Massachusetts, and is thought to have been developed by Justin White, the owner of a billiards and bowling hall. The game was standardized by John J. Monsey, a billiards player, in 1881.
