Perfect game (bowling)

For other uses, see perfect game (disambiguation).

A perfect game, also known as a 300-point game and sometimes simply as a "300", is the best score possible in Ten-pin Bowling. It consists of throwing 12 strikes in a row, one strike in each of the first 9 frames, and 3 in the tenth frame, since a strike counts as ten points plus any pins hit in the next two balls. In sanctioned league play, a 300-point game is usually commemorated with a ring, once the score is verified. Subsequent league 300s are denoted by setting "chips", or precious stones into the ring, so that skilled bowlers don't have to wear several rings. In casual play, a 300 game cannot be recognized officially by the Professional Bowlers Association, the American Bowling Congress or any other organization, but may be honored by a "300 game" plaque, trophy, etc. sponsored by the local bowling center.

Historically, the 300 game was dauntingly difficult to achieve, but with the advent of new technology in the sport, beginning in the 1970s, it has become a slightly more feasible goal even for skilled amateur and semi-professional players. Such technological changes include the use of more "active" synthetic bowling pins, more forgiving lane conditions that allow a greater margin for error, and most importantly, bowling balls with modern "reactive coverstocks" that allow greater hooking action and consequently more leeway on strikes. (See Ten-pin bowling for more information). As a result, 300 games are somewhat commonplace, especially in professional play. A handful of them have even been broadcast on live TV. When Mika Koivuniemi accomplished the feat in 2004, in a televised match, he secured a substantial cash bonus in addition to the tournament prize.

Some believe that an 800 series (a three-game set with scores adding to 800 or above) is a more difficult feat to achieve than bowling a single perfect game because it requires more consistency and careful attention to the subtle changes in the lane conditions after every shot. However, in 1997, a 900 series –or perfect series (three consecutive 300 games in league play) was officially recorded, by collegiate bowler Jeremy Sonnefeld. Teenager Robert Mushtare of Northern New York, claims to have bowled a perfect series 5 times over a few months in 2006, within a single season. He bowled some in league play, some in practice, but the American Bowling Congress has investigated and certified the last two of these. His performance in a recent Florida Junior Tournament was much more ordinary, so his talent has yet to extend to other bowling centers and to unfamiliar competition.

Other bowling games

A 300-point game is also considered a perfect score in duckpin bowling and candlepin bowling. Both games use ten pins, but use smaller handheld balls and smaller-diameter pins. Largely because of this, no perfect game is known to have ever been bowled in candlepins or duckpins.

In five-pin bowling, native to Canada, 450 points is a perfect score. This score has been achieved, though less frequently than a 300 in tenpins.

See also

• Elliot John Crosby - UK's youngest 300 shooter
• Michael Tang - US's youngest 300 shooter