Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
A spare is clearing all ten pins using both balls of a frame (e.g. 7 then 3), marked with a slash (/) on the scoresheet. A spare scores 10 plus the bonus of your next single roll. Consistent spare conversion is the foundation of a reliable bowling score — the adage ‘striking is for show, sparing is for dough’ reflects that a bowler who reliably converts spares scores consistently in the 170s-190s even without many strikes. Spare shooting, especially of difficult splits and single-pin spares, is a core skill that coaches prioritise over chasing strikes.
- All ten pins across two balls
- Scored as 10 + next one roll
- Foundation of a consistent score
- 'Striking is for show, sparing is for dough'
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A spare in bowling — knocking down all remaining pins with the second ball of a frame after missing some on the first — is worth 10 pins plus whatever's scored on the next single ball thrown, giving it a lower maximum bonus than a strike but still rewarding clean, complete frame conversion over leaving pins standing, which is why consistent spare conversion (not just strikes) is considered a hallmark of a skilled bowler.
FAQ
How is a spare scored in bowling?
A spare is worth 10 pins for that frame, plus the number of pins knocked down on the next single ball thrown in the following frame, added as a bonus.
Is spare conversion as important as striking in bowling?
Yes — consistent, reliable spare conversion (especially on commonly difficult leaves) is considered a genuine mark of skill and is often what separates good bowlers from great ones over a full game or series.