Duckpin bowling

Duckpin bowling is a variation of the sport of bowling.

Duckpin balls are 4+3⁄4 to 5 inches (12.1 to 12.7 cm) in diameter, weigh between 3 lb 6 oz and 3 lb 12 oz (1.53 and 1.70 kg) each, and lack finger holes. They are thus significantly smaller than those used in ten-pin bowling but are slightly larger and heavier than those used in candlepin bowling.

Duckpins, although arranged in a triangle identical to that used in ten-pin bowling, are shorter, slightly thinner, and lighter than their ten-pin equivalents, which makes it more difficult for the smaller ball to achieve a strike. For this reason, similar to candlepin bowling, the bowler is allowed three rolls per frame.

Duckpins are shorter and squatter than the pins used in ten-pin bowling.

A duckpin bowling ball in an adult hand

Duckpin balls are small enough to pass between same-row duckpins.

Scale diagram of balls and pins for three popular variations of bowling. The horizontal blue lines are one inch apart vertically.