History and Popularity
Duckpin bowling began in Lynn, Massachusetts in the early 1890s. Candlepin bowling started in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1880 and is popular in New England and Canada; duckpin is more Northeastern U.S. focused.
Differences in Equipment and Gameplay
In Candlepin bowling, the pins are 15 inches tall and light, and the balls are small without finger holes. The pins in duckpin bowling are shorter and thinner than those used in candlepin. Duckpin bowling lanes and machinery are different as well—duckpin bowls generally have automatic pin-setting machinery, while candlepins are set by hand.
Duckpin bowling features smaller pins and balls, providing a challenge for precision and accuracy, whereas candlepin bowling requires finesse and strategy due to its taller, narrower pins and the utilization of three balls per frame. Upon first glance duckpin bowling appears to be a scaled-down version of ten-pins with a few differences: the balls are roughly the size of a softball and have no holes, and the pins are smaller too. Scoring in duckpin bowling is exactly the same as traditional ten-pin, with matches lasting ten frames, and with the addition of a third turn if pins stand after the second turn.
Scoring and Strategy
Scoring also varies between the games. In candlepin bowling, each player gets two balls per frame, while in duckpin bowling, bowlers are given three throws per frame. In ten-pin bowling, strikes receive ten points plus the next two rolls. In candlepin bowling, strikes receive 30 points, and in duckpin bowling, strikes receive ten plus the next two rolls. Spares also receive different scores in each game.
The balls used in candlepin weigh a maximum of 3 pounds 12 ounces with no finger holes. The lighter balls in duckpin and candlepin allow for more control, but the smaller pins are more difficult to knock down compared to the larger pins in ten-pin bowling.
Why Duckpin?
The name “duckpin” likely originates from the pins’ resemblance to ducks flying away when hit. Duckpin bowling with three balls per frame provides a distinct challenge since the smaller, lighter ball makes strikes harder to achieve.
Venue and Experience
With seven duckpin lanes, Skyline is the only duckpin house in northern Minnesota. They recommend 4-6 bowlers per game and offer a rate of $12/person for 1.5 hours of unlimited play.
The purpose of the game influences the choice between duckpins and tenpins. If the game is meant to be fun and casual, duckpins might be the preferred option, as it is considered a more lighthearted game. However, for competition, tenpins may be selected for its greater challenge and skill requirement.