So, bowled in my second ever regular handicap tournament yesterday. I've bowled in some other no taps, and a 3 6 9, cashed in 2 of those 3. However, I missed the cut in my last handicap tourney with some decent, but not spectacular bowling.

Last Tuesday, in my league outing, I bowled 170s 160s 125. Had 13 strikes, 4 spares, and 14 opens. Went out Saturday to the place that was holding the tournament. First game, I shot 10 pins on my first ball and strike ball on the second. 2nd game, 7 pins on my first ball, strike ball on the second. 3rd game, I just played for score. 4th and 5th, I used my other 2 balls to find a read on where I might be playing if I have to change lines. Also got my equipment refinished:

AMF VP2 - 4000 abralon
Big One - 2000 abralon, polished
Zone - 1000 abralon

Come Sunday, I get up nice and early to get there for the first squad, where 1 in 4 make it to the finals instead of 1 in 5. I get there at 10:10, giving myself plenty of time to prepare for the 10:30 start, and... it started at 10. Head to Lowe's to pick up some paint, and come back for the 11:30 squad. Turned out there were 6 in the first squad, so only 1 made it. 2nd squad ended up only had 4 bowlers (as did the 3rd), so I was better off waiting.

Shot is the THS for this house, I usually score very well here. Come out of the gate with a 216. I made a couple bad shots, but never really missed the pocket. Kept it clean. Move a pair, 257. Move a pair, 256. My previous best series was a 639, and I just beat it by 90 pins. Add my 33 pins handicap per game, for an 828. Needless to say, I made the cut.

Went home for lunch, got back for finals at 2:30. I got a bye into the championship round, being the high qualifier. The semifinal ended up at something 260-180. Took a couple practice shots on the final pair and I was really deep. I had started the day standing with my left foot on 35 - by now, I was a good 10 boards further in, using the VP2. Each shot, I just got up, did my pre shot routine, and told myself "1 shot, 1 at a time. Relax and trust it" And I did just that. Had the front 4 or 5 or 6 before I let one outside a little early, so it came back weak, leaving a 10. I had one pulled shot that went brooklyn, but other than that, I didn't miss the pocket (all day). Won the final 267 - 190something.

My last 3 games (257 256 267) were a 790. It's so great to finally put together the scores I know I'm capable of.

Also, the only spare I missed all tournament was shooting a 10 pin on the 12th ball of the last game, so I can forgive myself a lapse of concentration there.

Now I just need to hit up all the handicap tourneys I can before I get re-rated

Congrats and good bowling.

Good bowling cgeorg. I wish there were more tournaments around me, or if there are they get promoted better because I the only time I see anything around me its an AMF thing other than the City and State tournaments. There's traveling tournament during the winter but I never see anything about it to see where on what weekends.

Great bowling! Wish I could find some more tourney's around here too. They have a ton of ABT but that's about it. Now for the state tourney I have to figure out which average I get to use since the USBC card I got doesn't show an average on it. I was hoping to be able to carry over my 149 from last season, so I guess I'll see...

AmpleSound:

They should have the book so they will see your average from last year. I don't know why the cards this year don't show the averages anymore.

Alright, thanks for the info GP. I was baffled as some people's cards have their average from last year, and some don't. lol Good to see that your's isn't there either. I sent the tourney info an e-mail just to be sure.

congrats on fantastic bowling!!

USBC told us that the reason the averages were not on the cards any longer is that by not having this info on them allowed them to qualify for cheaper mailing rate. It started just this winter season. So those that bought their card last summer, would still have the avearges on them.

Make sure you read tournament entry forms thoroughly. Many larger tournaments like State and Nationals require you to rerate yourself if you are currently averaging over 10 pins higher then your last book average.

Erin

Nice bowling cgeorg!

Well I just found the rules for our State Tournament! Looks like I'll be ok with the last years book average of 149! This will be great for handicap, granted I can even bowl up to par lol...

4. AVERAGES – USE HIGHEST 2006-2007 book AVERAGE OF 21 GAMES OR MORE. If no 2006-2007 average, bowler may use his/her highest 2007 certified summer average of 21 games or more. If bowler has neither of these, they may use their highest 2007-2008 certified league average of 21 games or more as of the starting date of the tournament (March 29, 2008). If the bowler has none of these three averages, an average of 220 will be assigned with no handicap being offered. BOWLERS REQUIRED TO USE 2007 SUMMER AVERAGES must have the average verified by the Local Association Manager and attached to the entry form. BOWLERS REQUIRED TO USE A MARCH 29, 2008 AVERAGE must have the average verified by the league secretary, with verification presented at the time of bowling the first event. NO OUT OF STATE AVERAGES ACCEPTED.

Congrats Cgeorg I am surprised by the way you throw the ball that those aren't your normal scores. Get used to it you throw the ball well and definitely hit all the handicap tournaments you can. Especially the PA Dutchman tournament in Hershey this summer.