Unlike regular bowling, you’ll be rolling smaller, lighter balls that fit perfectly in your hands – making it easy to handle, even for younger players. The goal? Knock down as many of the ten pins as you can with just three rolls per turn. With shorter lanes, every shot counts, and you’ll need to use some skill and strategy to knock down those plucky pins.
It’s fast-paced fun with lots of chances for everyone to get involved, whether you’re aiming for a strike or trying to knock over the last few pins. Duck pin bowling is all about precision, but most of all – it’s about having a blast with family and friends, and seeing who can sink the most pins!
Although there are some key differences between duck pin and ten pin bowling, much of the rules remain the same so if you’ve played ten pin bowling before you will pick up duck pin bowling like a pro in no time!
Head to the Games Desk and you’ll be assigned your lane/s by one of our team. Don’t forget to grab a drink from the bar before you head over!
Get settled, then the first player rolls their first ball. All duck pin bowling balls are the same weight, much lighter than ten pin bowling balls, and will fit into your palm and they do not have holes to put your fingers.
Each player gets their turn on the bowling lane. The game typically consists of ten frames, with each player rolling three balls per frame. There are no bumpers on Duck Pin Bowling!
Stand at the end of the lane, behind the foul line, and take a couple of steps back from the line. The ball should be pushed out in front of you, and then swung behind you as you step forwards towards the lane.
Finally, swing the ball to the front and release the ball on your final step towards the bowling lane.
Sorry to state the obvious, but the better your aim, the more you will score! When looking for a spot to aim for when releasing the ball, aim for the middle arrow on the lane – not the middle pin! This will ensure your aim is more accurate. Remember, there are no bumpers on Duck Pin bowling as the lanes are smaller!
Each game consists of ten frames. And with duck pin bowling, each frame consists of three throw attempts, compared to ten pin bowling’s two throws per frame.
After each player completes their turn in a frame, the next player or team takes their turn.
Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated throughout! Order drinks directly from the bar, through a team member to deliver to your lane, via the QR code on your table, or via the screen kiosks on the lanes (venue dependant).
Scores are automatically tallied after each frame.
The total score is the sum of all points earned in all ten frames, including bonuses for strikes and spares – our bowling technology does all this for you and shows the scores on the screen above your lane.
The player or team with the highest total score at the end of ten frames wins!
Celebrate your win with a cheer, a dance, special victory walk, pose for a photo, another drink… up to you!
Let the good times roll with a retro game of duck pin bowling. You’ll find duck pin bowling at various King Pins venues across the UK.
Have questions about your duck pin bowling experience? From setting up to improving your skills, we’ve got everything covered to help you make the most of your time at King Pins. Explore the FAQs below for tips, and safety guidelines to ensure a fun and seamless night for all!
Get 50% off any second game when your first game is Ten Pin, Duck Pin Bowling or Mini Golf.
This includes Ten Pin Bowling, Duck Pin Bowling, American Pool, Batting Cage, Shuffleboard, Tech Darts, Mini Golf, Virtual Shooting, Ice Free Curling and Karaoke.
Valid all day Monday-Thursday.
Excludes school and public holidays.
Offer allows for one discounted game per full price game of Ten Pin, Duck Pin or Mini Golf purchased per person.
