Ninepin Bowling is a popular and recreational sport that brings together people from all population groups and age groups. It is a sport that can be played in both recreational and professional league settings and promises plenty of fun, enjoyment and excitement. Almost everyone has sooner or later become acquainted with bowling or skittles and got to know the popular recreational sport. But how do the general rules of Ninepin Bowling actually work? Although the sport of bowling enjoys a high degree of popularity, the general rules of the game in terms of misses, scoring, clothing and competitions are largely unknown. In this article, we explain the most important rules of skittles in detail so that you can concentrate on the essentials at the next skittles meeting.
Ninepin Bowling Rules: All rules for the sport of skittles
In this article you will learn everything about the rules of Ninepin Bowling. From the lane to the differences to classic bowling.
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The history of skittles (Ninepin Bowling)
Ninepin Bowling is one of the oldest sports. Already from the time of ancient Egypt, archaeologists were able to find parts of a skittles game during excavations, dating back to 3,500 BC. The origin of today's skittles goes back to the early European Middle Ages. Scientists have been able to find out that popular skittles games have existed since the 12th century and took place in an organised manner as a widespread popular pastime. In Xanten on the Lower Rhine, there is evidence of a skittles guild from the year 1300, which donated its earnings to the building of a church.
Until the 18th century, skittles was exclusively played outdoors. The ever-popular recreational sport was presented at every fair and every major wedding. German emigrants brought the game of skittles to faraway countries like Brazil and Australia. Englishmen and Dutchmen established skittles in the USA, where the sport quickly gained widespread popularity.
Rules of Ninepin Bowling: Forms of competition and general rules of the game
Depending on the form of the game, bowling players pursue two overriding goals: Either to knock down the greatest possible number of skittles with one throw (thrust), or to throw a certain constellation of skittles (pictures). Each player has two throws - if cones remain after the first throw, you may throw a second time. The fallen cones are to be written down as points and added up at the end of the game. The official rules specify 9 rounds of play, but this can be interpreted privately as desired. The game can be played as a team or one against one or two against two. The number of players is not limited in the recreational area. As a basis for the skittles rules, we use the official game regulations of the DKB (German Skittles Association). This applies in principle to organised league play, but is also practicable in the recreational area. Mention is made of general rules of play that are of importance in the recreational area.
This is how Ninepin Bowling works
Cone position
The game is played on 9 skittles, which are arranged as a diamond.
Litter rating
Regardless of which game of Ninepin is played, the number of skittles dropped counts. Many bowling alleys are equipped with an electronic image display, whereupon the count is done automatically. If the bowling alley lacks an automated display, the scores are written down by the referee on sheets provided. In recreational bowling, the throw score can be taken by any other player. By the way: Balls that fall to the player and roll over the drop line are counted as a valid throw.
Especially with beginners, some throws occur where it is questionable whether the fallen pins can be included in the score. We will be happy to explain to you the common misses in bowling:
- If, immediately after the ball has been thrown, one or more cones fall down prematurely before the ball has reached them, the throw is invalid and must be repeated. This also applies if the setting machine pulls up the cones before the ball arrives.
- Balls that enter the bowling field before the automatic is ready are played too early. Again, the result is not scored and a re-roll is required. If the ball enters too early a second time, the throw is scored as a "zero throw". Obvious errors in the electronics or automatic system are not affected by this rule.
Missed bowls
The miss in Nine-pin-bowling is the failure to hit the skittles, the tying up or the running of the ball into the miss chute. Such misses are written down as "X". The automatic recorder evaluates misses as "0". So-called zero throws are throws that continue to be executed improperly after a warning has been given. In league play, these violations lead to a warning and, if repeated, to a zero throw score:
- Placing the ball next to or behind the top plank
- Crossing the boundary line at the end of the top plank
- Dropping the ball too early
- Touching the floor with hands or knees
- Supporting against the wall or ball return after taking the starting position
Clothing
Anyone wishing to take part in official skittles competitions must wear appropriate sports clothing. A skittles team must always be uniformly dressed. Shoes are excluded from this regulation. In the recreational area, a skittles shirt is not mandatory. Nevertheless, a uniform look with self-designed skittles jerseys can also be interesting for leisure groups to develop a nice sense of identification and togetherness.
Design your own skittles outfit in our 3D configurator.
The difference between bowling and Ninepin Bowling
The bowling ball is heavier and has three holes for the two middle fingers and the thumb. Bowling lanes are covered with an oil film and are generally slightly longer or wider. Instead of 9 pins, bowling is thrown at 10 pins - the pins are arranged in an equilateral triangle. The entire throwing process and the player's movements are significantly different in bowling. Bowling is based on a 4-step technique, whereas Nineball is taught via a sliding-step technique. Bowling also emphasises a special bowling shirt in official competitions. You want to design your team's bowling shirt yourself? Then take a look at our online configurator and design your new bowling shirt!
The rules of skittles differ from bowling.
Summary: The most important skittles rules at a glance
We are happy to summarise the most important bowling rules in the section below:
1. Played with 6 people or any number in the recreational area.
2. Games are played in teams or in selected duels (1 vs. 1 or 2 vs. 2).
3. Each player has 2 throws per round.
4. A game provides for 9 rounds of play. The game rounds can be arranged as desired in the recreational area.
5. The aim is to knock over as many cones as possible or to create certain throwing patterns.
6. The score, i.e. the number of cones knocked over, is written down and added up at the end of the game.
7. The player with the most points wins.
