The History of Duckpin Bowling

What is Duckpin Bowling? 

Duckpin bowling is a variation of ten-pin bowling, with the biggest difference between the two games being the size of the ball and pins used to play. In duckpin bowling, players roll a ball slightly larger than a softball down the alley to knock down the pins. The pins used in duckpin bowling are smaller and lighter than the pins used in regular bowling games, making it more difficult for players to earn a strike. 

Duckpin bowling is a ten-frame game where the goal is to knock down as many pins as possible with the fewest number of rolls. Each player gets three rolls per frame in an attempt to knock down all their pins. The catch, however, is that the size of the ball and pins makes it a challenge for players to knock down multiple pins at once. The point system in duckpin bowling is similar to traditional ten-pin bowling in that if a player knocks down all the pins in a single roll, they earn a strike. Players receive ten points for each pin they knock down in a turn, and if a player knocks down all the pins in the first two rolls of their turn, it is scored as a spare. 

The Origins of Duckpin Bowling 

Duckpin bowling’s origins are debated, but the most widely accepted theory of where this game originated is Baltimore. Around 1900, the game originated at a bowling, billiards, and pool hall called Diamond Alleys. The alley’s manager, Frank Van Sant, gathered some of his regular players and introduced them to a set of small bowling pins he had made by a wood maker named John Dittmar. They began playing with the pins as they would have played a traditional bowling game. One of the players commented that the pins looked like a “flock of flying ducks” when the ball collided with them, giving the game its name, duckpins. 

 It wasn’t until 1953, however, that inventor Ken Sherman created an automatic pinsetter for duckpin bowling. This became a popular tool to use when playing the game and still continues to be the most used pinsetter at most duckpin bowling locations. In 1982, The Women’s National Duckpin Association was founded to give women the opportunity to compete professionally in duckpin competitions. 

Where to Play Duckpin Bowling

If you’re looking for something fun to do near Fernandina, try Duck Pinz! Duck Pinz Fernandina offers a great atmosphere to spend time with friends or family. You’ll also find creative craft cocktails at the Duck Pinz cocktail lounge. 

Timoti’s Seafood Shak

After playing at Duck Pinz, head to Timoti’s Seafood Shak for fresh, wild-caught seafood everyone will love! You can also take your food from Timoti’s or Cafe Karibo to go and enjoy it while bowling. Our locations are convenient to the Fernandina Beach area, making it the perfect place to end your day of bowling.