Method of playing a bowling game

#This invention generally relates to the sport of bowling and, particularly, to a method of playing a bowling game.

#Conventional bowling games are played by a method which depends on the order in which spares and strikes are scored by the players in turn. For many recreational or ordinary players, it is difficult to learn and understand the play of the game. This is because, in part, conventional bowling games require a strike or a spare to add a pin count for pins knocked down in subsequent frames to the pin counts in earlier frames. Quite often, running scores near the end of a game are not entered until the very last ball of a player is delivered. This cumbersome and difficult method of playing a conventional bowling game often leads to frustration and lack of interest to everyone but the skilled player. It is not uncommon for players to simply roll balls at pins and leave the scoring to others and never completely understand the rules of play. This leads to a lack of real interest and ultimately to players giving up on the sport.

#In addition, conventional methods of playing bowling games often do not give a true indication of a player's skill. Leads shift back and forth during a game depending solely on sequences of strikes and spares, particularly near the end of a game. One player can build up such an early lead, again depending on his play timing, that other players lose hope and interest, and the level of play is greatly diminished.

#The features of this invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with its objects and the advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing showing a simulated score sheet which might be used in playing the bowling game of this invention.

#The method of playing a bowling game according to the invention is designed to enhance the play of the game by incorporating an element of betting, chance and the like as might be incorporated in a card game, such as "stud" or "draw" poker. Of course, the method is not limited to such specific schemes.

#Generally, players are allowed a preselected number of balls to knock down all pins in at least one pin setup. The pin setup may be of any number of pins, but to simulate a poker game, it may be desirable to select a five-pin setup. This selection can be predetermined or can be random as might be determined by a computerized bowling facility. In addition to the predetermined or random selection of the pin setup, each player is allotted a given number of points which he can bet during the play of the game. These points are used in conjunction with the player's success during a given pin setup or frame to determine a score. During play, each player is required to bet at least some of his betting points on his chances of success for a particular pin setup. The player may be required to bet less than a predetermined given number of betting points assigned at the beginning of play.

#During play, for each frame, the number of balls delivered by each player in each pin setup in order to knock down all pins is counted. A score for each player in each pin setup is recorded, with the score being related to the respective player's bet. The players' scores are compared at the end of a plurality of frames or pin setups to determine the winner of the game.