What Is a Turkey in Bowling? (And How to Get One)
A turkey in bowling is three strikes in a row. Learn what it means, where the name comes from, and how to bowl your first turkey as a beginner.
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What Is a Turkey in Bowling? (And How to Get One)
If you've ever bowled a few strikes in a row and heard someone shout "turkey!" — you might have wondered what that actually means. It's one of bowling's most iconic terms, and once you know what it is, you'll be chasing one every time you step up to the lane.
The Short Answer
A turkey in bowling is three consecutive strikes in a row.
That's it. Three strikes back to back — in the same game, no misses in between — and you've bowled a turkey.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name dates back to the 1800s. At Thanksgiving and holiday bowling tournaments, bowling alley owners would give away a live turkey to any bowler who managed to throw three strikes in a row. It was rare enough to be worth the prize.
The tradition of handing out actual turkeys faded, but the name stuck. Today "turkey" is universal bowling slang recognized in every alley in the country.
How Is a Turkey Scored?
In bowling, a strike scores 10 pins plus the total of your next two balls. Three strikes in a row means each one gets the maximum bonus.
Here's what three strikes in a row looks like on the scoresheet:
- Frame 1: Strike (10 + 10 + 10 = 30 points)
- Frame 2: Strike (10 + 10 + 10 = 30 points)
- Frame 3: Strike (10 + next two balls)
If you bowl a turkey in frames 1, 2, and 3, you'll have 60 points on the board before you even finish the third frame — which is a huge head start toward a high score.
A perfect game (300) is 12 consecutive strikes. A turkey is a solid step on that road.
Other Strike Streak Names
Once you know turkey, it's worth knowing the full lineup:
- Double — 2 strikes in a row
- Turkey — 3 strikes in a row
- Four-bagger (or Hambone) — 4 strikes in a row
- Five-bagger — 5 strikes in a row
- Six-pack — 6 strikes in a row
- Perfect game — 12 strikes in a row (a score of 300)
"Hambone" was popularized by ESPN bowling commentator Rob Stone and has become almost as widely used as turkey.
How Hard Is It to Bowl a Turkey?
For a beginner, a turkey is a genuine achievement. Most casual bowlers throw one or two strikes a game — stringing three together requires consistent aim, a repeatable release, and a little luck with the pin carry.
For experienced league bowlers, turkeys are fairly common. Advanced bowlers chase six-packs and beyond.
The first time you bowl a turkey is a milestone worth celebrating. Most alleys will announce it over the system or flash it on the scoring screen — don't be surprised if you get a round of applause from the lanes next to you.
How to Bowl Your First Turkey
You don't need to be a pro. Here's what to focus on as a beginner:
1. Pick a consistent target on the lane — not the pins. Aim at the arrows (the seven markers about 15 feet down the lane), not at the pins 60 feet away. The second arrow from the right (for right-handed bowlers) is the classic strike line.
2. Hit the pocket. The pocket is the sweet spot between the 1-pin and 3-pin for right-handers (1-pin and 2-pin for left-handers). Hitting the pocket consistently is what leads to strikes consistently.
3. Keep your approach the same every time. Consistency is everything. Same starting spot, same steps, same release. When you throw a strike, try to replicate exactly what you just did.
4. Don't change anything mid-streak. This is the mental game. When you get your first strike, the temptation is to think too hard about the next one. Trust the process, step up, and repeat.
Quick Reference
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Strike | Knock down all 10 pins on the first ball |
| Double | 2 strikes in a row |
| Turkey | 3 strikes in a row |
| Hambone | 4 strikes in a row |
| Six-pack | 6 strikes in a row |
| Perfect game | 12 strikes in a row (300) |
Bowling a turkey is one of those moments that makes the game genuinely exciting. Find a bowling alley near you, practice hitting the pocket, and go get your first one.