The bowling centers that I frequent conduct sweepers and/or tournaments practically every weekend. The entry fees are not costly and the prize payouts are not very big. As a matter of fact, a "No-Tap" Sweeper conducted every Saturday has five divisions, based on average, and the first place in each wins their entry fee back. An financial audit published weekly after each event shows no funds being disbursed anywhere but to the tournament. The people running it are volunteers and do not get paid anything. How friendly is that?

They have become more of a social event for people to get together and compete in a comfortable atmosphere. It's a great way to meet new people and make friends. There are other events with different formats that will be just as much fun if they are offered at your favorite bowling place. If they are not, you should ask the center management to begin promoting some of them (or you could do it yourself with the management's permission and cooperation) - both for business purposes as well as catering to the social needs of their bowlers.

Here are some of the types I have run across (and usually, handicapped and not USBC sanctioned):

1) "No-Tap" - More commonly 9-pin; but, variations have included 8-pin or 7-pin. Very simply, if the bowler knocks down 9 pins on the first ball, it is counted as a strike. Of course, a regulation strike counts as well; however, a "ringing 10 pin" or a "solid 8 pin" in the pocket will register as a strike for your score. Naturally, there are lots of 300 games and 800 series.

2) 3-6-9 or 4-8 sweepers. Bowlers will automatically be given strikes in the 3rd, 6th, and 9th frames for the former, and the 4th and 8th frames for the latter.

3) Scotch Doubles. More fun if it is mixed couples; but, many variations can be used. The easy explanation is that the partners will alternate throwing balls. For example, Bowler A and Bowler B - 1st frame, A throws and leaves a spare shot, which B throws; 2nd frame, A throws and strikes, then in the 3rd frame, B throws the first ball. In other words, if A never strikes in the game, B will always throw for the spare; whenever A strikes, B gets to throw the first ball, and vice-versa.

4) Baker System Doubles. Because of bowling having ten frames, this only one of two combinations that work effectively; the other being a 5-person lineup. In doubles, A will bowl five frames (the odd numbered) on the left lane and B will bowl five frames (the even numbered) on the right lane. In 5-person team, A bowls the 1st and 6th, B bowls the 2nd and 7th, C bowls the 3rd and 8th, D bowls the 4th and 9th, and E bowls the 5th and 10th.

5) Low Score Game. Lowest possible score is 20 because bowlers must hit pins on each of their two balls in each frame. The accurate bowler will hit the 7 pin only on their 1st ball and the 10 pin only on their 2nd ball. If the bowler throws the ball in the gutter on the first ball, it is counted as a strike; if the bowler throws the ball in the gutter on the second ball or hits no pins, it is counted as a spare. Regular scoring rules apply.

Sometimes, it is good for any bowler to be able to unwind from the grind of competing seriously all the time. The PBA has their annual "Skills Challenge" where they make a variety of trick shots. Amateur bowlers like us have the opportunity to participate in, or promote, a variety of "fun-type" variations of bowling games. I can only say that if you haven't done it, you will be missing a relaxing and very social atmosphere if you don't get into some of them.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)