Okay, I am trying to work out some bowling math, and the numbers are not adding up. The pins are supposed to be 1 foot apart in every direction. For example, this means from the 7 pin to the 8 pin should be 1 foot apart. That represents 10 boards, which means each board should be 1.2 inches in width.

However, the USBC spec says the lane width is limited to 41.5 inches. If each board is 1.2 inches wide, with 39 boards, the lane would have to be 46.8 inches wide. That is a difference of 5.3 inches!

Does this mean that the lane markers don't really line up with the pins?!

The arrows don't line up with the pins.

Unbelievable! One of my basic assumptions in life has been blown to pieces. I am speechless...

Okay, I have recovered enough to come up with the following table of ACTUAL boards the pins are located, assuming standard dimensions, number of boards, etc.

For those who like to play "up the boards", it's good to know exactly where the pins are located relative to the boards.

Right-handed:
10 pin on 3.08 board
6 pin on 8.72 board
3, 9 pins on 14.36 board
1, 5 pins on 20 board
2, 8 pins on 25.64 board
4 pin on 31.28 board
7 pin on 36.92 board

Left-handed:
7 pin on 3.08 board
4 pin on 8.72 board
2, 8 pins on 14.36 board
1, 5 pins on 20 board
3, 9 pins on 25.64 board
6 pin on 31.28 board
10 pin on 36.92 board

Thanks Joe, and now you know that the pins are not lined up with the lane markers. Everyone learns something new about the game every day, thats the best part about it!

It's a little embarrassing not having realized this sooner. But, if posting it helps somebody else, then it's all for good.

No problem Joe.

What would really interest you is to help your local association certify their centers. You have some nifty tools, measurements, you go back and forth up and and down the lane taking side to side measurements, back and forth measurements, gutter depths, pin deck angles, pin weights, and how close the pins are to the pin spots on the pin deck. It needs to be done every year and mot associations could use the volunteer help. Any time you want to come to Sacramento to help certify you'd be welcome. :-)

Erin

Hey Joe, you dont need those measurements..all you need to know is that your ball is burning up everytime you throw it b/c it sounds like you have too much hand. P.S, hit the treadmill! Then you will strike everytime.

Mkee, even if Joe doesn't follow your suggestion, I think I will. I have been wondering if this extra 10 pounds has affected my game.