A version of tenpin bowling that is mostly played in the northeastern United States and Canada is candlepin bowling, often known as New England bowling. It was invented in Worcester, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s, making it one of the sport’s earliest variations. The game is a true test of ability and precision because it uses a smaller ball and narrower pins than tenpin bowling.
Each player in candlepin bowling is allowed three balls to knock down as many pins as they can. The pins are not positioned in a triangular pattern like in tenpin bowling, but rather in a diamond pattern. In addition, the pins are taller and narrower than those used in tenpin bowling, making it harder to knock them over. A candlepin bowling ball weighs only 2.5 pounds, making it both smaller and lighter than a standard tenpin bowling ball.
The difficult game of candlepin bowling calls for dexterity and accuracy. There are no perfect games in candlepin bowling, in contrast to tenpin bowling. Candlepin bowling allows for a maximum score of 300, but no one has ever surpassed it. Ralph Semb’s 245 in candlepin bowling in 1984 is the highest ever recorded.
In the northern United States and Canada, candlepin bowling has a long history and a devoted fan base. Currently, there are approximately 80 candlepin bowling alleys open for business, most of which are found in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. Even a professional league, the Candlepin Pro Tour, with some of the best candlepin bowlers in the world fighting for cash awards, was inspired by the game.
In conclusion, candlepin bowling is a fascinating and difficult game that has been played for more than a century, despite the fact that many people may not have heard of it. Its distinctive equipment and set of rules make it a true test of ability and precision, and the region’s devoted following in both the northeastern United States and Canada demonstrates how popular it is among many. And while if candlepin bowling may not ever provide a flawless game, the rush of removing those small pins stands as a prize in and of itself.