Why handicaps exist
Handicaps let bowlers of different levels compete fairly. Each bowler receives extra pins per game based on how far their average is below a reference score, the basis.
The formula
Handicap = (basis − average) × percentage
Fractions are dropped, not rounded. If the average is above the basis, the handicap is zero.
Common league settings:
| Basis | Percentage | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 220 | 90% | most US adult leagues |
| 220 | 80% | competitive leagues |
| 210 | 100% | some mixed and youth leagues |
| 230 | 90% | high-average leagues |
Worked example
Your average is 150, your league uses 90% of 220, and you bowl a 165 game.
- Handicap: (220 − 150) × 0.90 = 63 pins per game.
- For a 3-game series: 63 × 3 = 189 pins.
- Your 165 game becomes 228 with handicap.
- If you bowl your average all night, your handicap series is (150 + 63) × 3 = 639.
How averages work
- Your average is your total pins divided by games bowled, with fractions dropped.
- Leagues usually require a minimum number of games, often 12 or more, before your league average counts. Until then, they use your previous season’s average or an entering average.
- Averages are recalculated each week, so your handicap changes as you improve.
Comparing bowlers
With 90% of 220:
| Average | Handicap |
|---|---|
| 120 | 90 |
| 150 | 63 |
| 180 | 36 |
| 200 | 18 |
| 220 and up | 0 |
A higher percentage gives weaker bowlers more help; at 100%, everyone bowling their average would tie.
Tips
- Check your league’s rules sheet: basis, percentage, how absent bowlers are scored and the maximum handicap.
- Some tournaments cap handicap, for example at 60 or 80 pins.
- Track your scores: steady improvement lowers your handicap, but every pin above your average still counts in full.