What Is Candlepin Bowling? A Beginner's Guide to New England's Unique Bowling Style
Discover candlepin bowling, the challenging New England bowling variant with smaller balls, skinnier pins, and no finger holes. Learn the rules, history, and why it's harder than regular bowling.
What Is Candlepin Bowling? A Beginner's Guide to New England's Unique Bowling Style
If you've ever visited New England and walked into a bowling alley, you might have encountered something strange: tiny bowling balls with no finger holes and skinny pins that look like candles. Welcome to the world of candlepin bowling — one of the most challenging and unique bowling variants in America.
Let's break down everything you need to know about this regional favorite.
What Makes Candlepin Bowling Different?
Candlepin bowling is a bowling variant that originated in Massachusetts in 1880. Unlike the standard ten-pin bowling most people know, candlepin uses different equipment and follows unique rules.
The Equipment
Candlepin Bowling Ball:
- Weight: Only 2 lbs 7 oz (compared to 6-16 lbs for ten-pin)
- Size: About 4.5 inches in diameter (fits in one hand)
- No finger holes: You grip the entire ball in your palm
- All balls are the same weight: No choosing heavy or light balls
Candlepin Pins:
- Shape: Tall and cylindrical, resembling a candle (hence the name)
- Height: 15.75 inches tall
- Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz each
- Base: Tapered at both ends, making them harder to knock down
The Lane:
- Same 60-foot length as ten-pin bowling
- Same 41.5-inch width
- Similar oil patterns, but less forgiving
How Do You Play Candlepin Bowling?
Basic Rules
- Three balls per frame (instead of two in ten-pin)
- Ten frames per game (just like regular bowling)
- Fallen pins ("deadwood") stay on the lane — you can use them to knock down standing pins
- No re-racking between balls in the same frame
- Maximum score: 300 (though it's never been achieved!)
Scoring
- Strike: Knock down all 10 pins on your first ball = 10 points + next 2 balls
- Spare: Knock down all 10 pins within 3 balls = 10 points + next ball
- Open frame: Whatever pins you knock down
The scoring system is similar to ten-pin, but strikes and spares are much harder to get in candlepin.
Why Is Candlepin Bowling So Hard?
Candlepin is widely considered one of the hardest bowling variants in the world. Here's why:
1. Skinny Pins That Don't Fall Easily
The tall, narrow shape makes pins incredibly stable. Unlike ten-pin bowling where pins crash into each other, candlepins often remain standing even when hit.
2. Small, Light Ball
The 2.5-pound ball has very little momentum. You can't rely on sheer force — accuracy and technique matter more.
3. No Pin Action
In ten-pin bowling, hitting the "pocket" creates a chain reaction where pins knock each other down. In candlepin, there's minimal pin action, so you need direct hits.
4. Perfect Game? Never Happened.
Unlike ten-pin bowling (where perfect 300 games happen regularly), no one has ever bowled a perfect 300 in candlepin bowling. The highest recorded score is 245.
A good candlepin bowler averages around 100-120. A score above 200 is exceptional.
Where Can You Play Candlepin Bowling?
Candlepin bowling is a regional sport, found almost exclusively in:
- Massachusetts (where it was invented)
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Vermont
- Parts of Rhode Island and Connecticut
- A few alleys in Canada (primarily in the Maritime provinces)
Outside of New England, candlepin alleys are extremely rare. If you're visiting the Northeast, it's a must-try experience.
Find candlepin bowling alleys near you →
A Brief History of Candlepin Bowling
Candlepin bowling was invented in 1880 in Worcester, Massachusetts, by Justin White, a local bowling alley owner.
Why "Candlepin"?
The pins were originally called "candle pins" because of their tall, slender shape resembling candles. Over time, the name stuck.
Peak Popularity
Candlepin bowling thrived in New England throughout the 20th century, with televised tournaments drawing large audiences. While its popularity has declined slightly in recent decades, it remains a beloved tradition in the region.
Today, there are still dedicated candlepin leagues, tournaments, and family-friendly alleys keeping the sport alive.
Candlepin vs. Ten-Pin vs. Duckpin: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Candlepin | Ten-Pin | Duckpin | |---------|---------------|-------------|-------------| | Ball Weight | 2.5 lbs | 6-16 lbs | 3-4 lbs | | Finger Holes | No | Yes | No | | Pin Height | 15.75 inches | 15 inches | 9.4 inches | | Balls Per Frame | 3 | 2 | 3 | | Deadwood | Stays on lane | Cleared | Cleared | | Perfect Game Ever Bowled? | No (highest: 245) | Yes | No (highest: 279) | | Where to Find | New England | Nationwide | Mid-Atlantic |
Tips for First-Time Candlepin Bowlers
If you're trying candlepin for the first time, here's what to know:
1. Forget Everything You Know About Ten-Pin
The small ball and skinny pins require a completely different approach. Don't expect strikes.
2. Use Deadwood to Your Advantage
Since fallen pins stay on the lane, try to use them strategically to knock down standing pins. It's like billiards meets bowling.
3. Focus on Accuracy Over Power
The light ball means power doesn't help much. Aim carefully and focus on hitting pins directly.
4. Don't Get Discouraged
Even experienced bowlers struggle with candlepin. A score of 90-100 is perfectly respectable for beginners.
5. Have Fun
Candlepin is quirky, challenging, and uniquely New England. Embrace the difficulty and enjoy the experience.
Why Candlepin Bowling Still Matters
In an era of flashy entertainment and high-tech bowling (bumpers, automatic scoring, cosmic bowling), candlepin remains refreshingly simple and skill-based.
It's a reminder that bowling doesn't need gimmicks — just a ball, some pins, and the challenge of knocking them down.
For New Englanders, candlepin bowling is a cultural tradition passed down through generations. For visitors, it's a unique piece of regional Americana worth experiencing.
Ready to Try Candlepin Bowling?
If you're in New England, finding a candlepin alley is easy. Many historic bowling centers still proudly operate candlepin lanes alongside (or instead of) ten-pin.
Find candlepin bowling alleys in New England →
Whether you're a bowling purist, a curious beginner, or just looking for something different, candlepin bowling offers a one-of-a-kind challenge you won't find anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can kids play candlepin bowling?
A: Absolutely! The small, lightweight ball makes it easier for kids to handle than heavy ten-pin balls. Many families prefer candlepin for this reason.
Q: Is candlepin bowling harder than regular bowling?
A: Yes, significantly. Even professional bowlers find candlepin extremely challenging. The highest score ever recorded is 245 (out of 300).
Q: Why don't more places have candlepin bowling?
A: It's a regional tradition specific to New England. The equipment is different, and alleys outside the Northeast rarely invest in candlepin lanes.
Q: Can you use bowling shoes for candlepin?
A: Yes, standard bowling shoes work perfectly fine for candlepin bowling.
Q: What's a good score for a beginner?
A: Anything above 70-80 is solid for your first time. Experienced bowlers average 100-120.
Ready to explore more unique bowling experiences? Check out our guides on duckpin bowling, cosmic bowling, and wheelchair-accessible alleys.