Adjusting Your Spare Mindset: When Every Pin Counts

    In bowling, we often feel that picking up every spare is essential, but this isn’t always the best approach. We’ll look at a good bowling spare strategy. For some challenging splits with low conversion odds, aiming for guaranteed pins is often a better choice. Trying to convert tough splits and missing can cost you critical pins, especially in tournaments where every pin can matter.

    Imagine a tournament with 15 qualifying games, and three times you face a decision: go for a tough split or take the guaranteed pins. You opt for the split each time but miss the conversion, ending up with five fewer pins than if you had gone for easy pins. Five pins might not seem like much until you miss the cut by just three or four. Avoid this mistake by thinking strategically about your spares!

    The Role of the Spare Ball

    Another debate is whether to use a spare ball or a strike ball for spare shooting. Many bowlers believe that always using a spare ball to shoot straight at spares is ideal, especially single pins. This is a smart strategy for sport shot conditions, where hooking at left-side pins (e.g., 2, 4, 7, or 8 for right-handers) or right-side pins for lefties can be risky. If the oil pattern tripped you up on your first shot, relying on a hook for spares might not be the best idea.

    A good basic spare ball that I always recommend is the Storm Mix.

    I’m a big advocate (even on house shots) of shooting straight at single and easy conversions. However, there are situations where hooking the ball at certain spares is beneficial. Below are specific split and spare scenarios, with insights on whether to hook or go straight.

    Bowling Spare and Split Strategies: When to Hook and When to Play it Safe

    7-10 Split


    Strategy: Go for one pin—whichever you’re most comfortable with.
    Explanation: Avoid trying to ricochet the pins off the sidewalls or hitting them hard to hope for a bounce. It’s better to secure one pin than to risk zero.

    4-7-10 Split


    Bowling Spare Strategy: Aim straight between the 4 and 7 pins for two pins.
    Explanation: Trying to ricochet the 4 pin to hit the 10 has very low odds. Securing two pins will keep you competitive rather than risking a complete miss.

    4-7-6-10 (Big 4) Split


    Strategy: Go for one side, as with the 4-7-10.
    Explanation: Aim for a higher-probability result, picking up two pins on either side rather than going for the unlikely conversion.

    2-8 Leave


    Strategy: Hook at this.
    Explanation: Since this path mirrors the pocket shot, allow your ball to hook slightly by moving your feet a few boards right to ensure it gets into the pocket zone effectively.

    3-6-9-10 Spare


    Strategy: Use a shiny ball that gets down the lane and avoid hooking aggressively.
    Explanation: Throw it like a 10-pin shot, letting the ball’s natural hook create a mini pocket between the 3 and 6 pins to clean up all four pins. This is usually more effective than throwing straight.

    3-9 Leave


    Strategy: Approach it the same as the 3-6-9-10, using a ball that glides down the lane before hooking into position.
    Explanation: This gives you the angle needed to hit both pins without overshooting.

    3-6-10 (with 4 and/or 7)


    Strategy: Use the same technique as for the 3-6-9-10.
    Explanation: Your angle will cause the 3 pin to take out the 4 or 7, a higher-percentage play than a straight shot.

    Washout


    Strategy: On a house shot, you can aim Brooklyn, but using a spare ball from the left is usually best.
    Explanation: A plastic ball, particularly on sport conditions, reduces variability in the shot and increases the odds of hitting the 1 pin effectively to create the necessary chain reaction.

    3-10 Split


    Strategy: Throw straight across the lane, aiming to hit the 3 pin and deflect into the 10.
    Explanation: Hooking here can be risky because there’s no 6 pin to help deflect. A straight shot ensures you’re using the 3 pin to hit the 10, or having the ball drive through and take out the 10.

    Takeaway

    Improving your spare shooting is about making the right call for each scenario and having the correct bowling spare strategy. Sometimes, taking the easy pins is the smarter option, particularly in tournaments where a few extra pins can mean advancing or going home. Know your strengths, understand your environment, and be strategic about when to go for the spare or to aim for a guaranteed pin count. With practice and patience, you’ll learn to make smarter spare decisions, adding depth to your game and resilience to your tournament play.

    If you need help calming yourself and making sure you can perform these shots, take a look at my Enhanced Focus Targeting article for tips on that.