SCORING Back   Bowlers record their scores on a bowling score sheet. A bowler receives two throws during each turn, called a frame. The number of pins knocked down in each frame add up to the running score. Bowlers gain bonuses for rolling strikes (knocking all ten pins down in one attempt) and spares (knocking down all ten pins in two attempts). In this sample score sheet, Blake won the game by rolling a strike in every frame, recording what is known as a perfect game. A bowling game consists of ten turns, called frames, in which the bowler tries to knock down all ten pins. Players keep score on a sheet that lists the bowlers' names, the frame, the number of pins knocked down with each ball, and the final score. In each of the first nine frames the bowler rolls one or two balls. If the bowler knocks down all ten pins with the first ball, he or she has rolled a strike, the best roll possible. An X is recorded on the score sheet, and the bowler receives ten points (the number of pins knocked down) plus a bonus of the number of pins the bowler knocks down in his or her next two bowls. The maximum possible score in a strike frame, therefore, is 30: the strike followed by two more strikes on subsequent throws (10 + 10 + 10 = 30). If pins remain standing after the first throw of a frame, the bowler takes another shot. Knocking down all the remaining pins results in a spare. A slash (/) is recorded on the score sheet, and the bowler receives ten points plus a bonus of the number of pins knocked down with the next bowl. The maximum possible score in a spare frame, therefore, is 20: the spare's ten points followed by another ten if the bowler can score a strike in the next frame (10 + 10 = 20). If the bowler fails to knock down all ten pins with both balls, his or her point total is simply the total number of pins felled. When a bowler fails to knock down any pins, a scratch is recorded on the score sheet with a dash (-). Players who roll spares and strikes in the tenth and final frame receive bonuses. Bowlers who roll a spare receive one extra ball, and the number of pins downed is added to the score. Bowlers who roll a strike receive two extra balls to try to add to their score. A player achieves the top score of 300, known as a perfect game, by registering a strike in each frame and on the last two extra balls (nine frames of 30 points equals 270, plus 30 additional points in the tenth frame). Perfect games are rare. Top professional bowlers consistently average more than 230, while an amateur may have trouble breaking 100.