Why Picking Up Spares Can Transform Your Average

Converting spares is one of the most underrated aspects of bowling, yet it plays a critical role in improving your scores. Learning how spares improve bowling average reveals why these “extra pins” can have a massive impact on your final score. By consistently picking up spares, you not only avoid open frames but also set yourself up for higher scores and greater overall consistency. This post will break down the hidden power of spares and how they contribute to building a stronger game.

Why 1 Pin ≠ 1 Point in Bowling

In bowling, each pin you knock down doesn’t just add a single point to your score; it can actually compound, especially when you’re working off a spare or a strike. Missing a spare means you’re not just losing one point per pin left standing—you’re often sacrificing many more points due to the way frames and bonus scoring work.

Let’s dive into a few score examples to see how small changes in spare conversions can add up to big score improvements.

Example 1: The Power of Going “9 Spare” Instead of 9 – open

In the first example (as seen in the image below), we have two games side-by-side. Both games start with knocking down 9 pins on each first throw. But in one game, the bowler picks up each spare, while in the other, they leave the single pin standing every time. The difference is huge:

• Game 1 (9 counts only): Knocking down 9 pins every frame leads to a final score of 90.
• Game 2 (9-spare for every frame): By converting each 9 count into a spare, the score shoots up to 181. That’s a difference of 82 points from just 10 more pins knocked down!

This example shows that picking up a single pin per frame, across a game, can nearly double your score. It’s an excellent reminder that sparing consistently can have a bigger impact on your average than just chasing strikes.

Example 2: A “Realistic Game” with Mixed Shots – All Spares vs. No Spares

In the second example (shown in the image below), we’ve got a more varied game, where not every frame is a clean 9 count. Instead, it’s a realistic mix of lower scores and various pin counts. Here’s the breakdown:

• Game 1 (No spares): In this game, the bowler scores 82 by not converting any spares.
• Game 2 (All spares picked up): By converting all spares, the bowler boosts their final score to 168—an 86-point increase just by knocking down an additional 25 pins.

This example highlights how valuable it is to convert spares even in less-than-ideal frames. With a combination of spares and strikes, a bowler can achieve a massive score boost without relying solely on strikes.

Example 3: The “Realistic Spares” Scenario – Picking Up Just a Few Spares for Maximum Impact

In the final example (see the image below), we’re looking at a scenario where the bowler only picks up four of the possible spares across the game. The impact is still remarkable:

• Game 1 (No spares): Scoring 120 by leaving every spare opportunity untouched.
• Game 2 (Picking up 4 key spares): By converting only four of those spares, the score jumps to 164—a 44-point increase from knocking down just 12 extra pins.

Even if you don’t pick up every single spare, you can still see how picking up spares improve your bowling average. Grabbing a few critical spares can dramatically improve your game. This example illustrates that a few additional pins can make a significant difference, especially in tight games.

Key Takeaways on Spares and Average Improvement

1. Spares Are a Multiplier: Every spare you make compounds your score by allowing each successive frame to build on a solid base. Missing a spare isn’t just missing a single point—it can cost you the full momentum of the game.
2. Real-World Gains: These examples show that by focusing on picking up even just a few spares, you can raise your score substantially. Adding a few single pins consistently will have a greater impact on your average than chasing a strike-and-miss approach.
3. Spares Add Stability: Consistent spare-making brings stability to your game, helping smooth out those “off” frames and making it easier to maintain a high average.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how spares improve bowling average is essential for elevating your game. By consistently converting spares, you eliminate open frames and set yourself up for higher scores. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bowler, focusing on spares ensures a more reliable and consistent performance. Incorporating spare conversions into your strategy will not only increase your average but also enhance your overall game. Keep practicing and watch how mastering spares transforms your scores.

If you need some help on how to mentally adjust to pick up your spares, you can try this article: Enhanced Focus Targeting: A Breathing and Accuracy System for Bowling