Sometimes, we play a game called odd-pin, or odd-ball. The object of the game is just like bowling, except that if your score is an even number (2,4,6,8 or 10) you get a zero in the frame. If you get a mark (strike or spare) your fill must be odd in order to keep the mark – or else you get a zero.

If you get a double strike, triple, etc., your final fill (at the end of the run of strikes) must be an odd number, or you lose all of the strikes too!

This obviously is more a game of luck than skill.

Another game we have is called “best-ball” which is usually played with doubles teams. Both bowlers get up on a lane and each throw their first ball. The team then chooses which bowler has the best chance of making a spare and then that bowlers finishes the frame for the team.

You get some really high scoring games in Best Ball!

Have you ever tried poker? I haven’t played in a while, but if I remember right, you drew a card for a spare and I think two if you struck.