Vlad: What is a runway?
Father: Well, it is a long path on which the balls are rolled. At the end of
the path there are the pins, they form a triangle. The balls are
rather heavy; you will choose the ball for yourself. Choosing a
bowling ball is the first step toward successful bowling. You
should select a ball that is easy to handle. It should not be too
heavy or light, and should feel comfortable and natural in the
hand. Now to the game itself.
Vlad:_As_far_as_I_understand,_the_task_is_to_knock_down_the_ten_pins._Is_it_difficult_Father'>Vlad: As far as I understand, the task is to knock down the ten
pins. Is it difficult?
Father: Rather, I must say. Each game has ten frames. At the beginning
of each frame the player tries to hit all the ten pins. If one
manages to do it, it is called “strike”, and it is very good. If one
doesn’t, there is the second attempt. If all the pins are down
after the second strike, it is called “spare”.
Vlad:_For_example,_if_I_get_a_“spare”_and_knock_down_3_pins_in_the_next_frame,_I’ll_get_13_Father'>Vlad: And what if some pins are left?
Father: Then the frame is called “open” and the player gets only the
amount of points equal to the amount of pins that fell.
Vlad: So, if I hit only one pin, I will have only one point.
Father: In this frame, yes.
Vlad: And if I have a “spare”?
Father: Then you will get ten points plus the amount of points that you
get during the first strike in the next frame.
Vlad: For example, if I get a “spare” and knock down 3 pins in
the next frame, I’ll get 13?
Father: Right. And if you have “strike”, you’ll get ten points plus the
sum of two strikes in the next frame. The maximum possible
score in a strike frame, therefore, is 30: the strike followed by
two more strikes on subsequent throws (10 + 10 + + 10 = 30).
Vlad: I must remember this.
Father: You needn’t. There is a computer calculating it for you. It keeps
the records of the bowlers’ names, the frame, the number of pins
knocked down with each ball, and the final score.
