You may wish to add some variety to your league play by considering some of these popular alternative formats. All can be USBC leagues. If you have any questions concerning the application of these formats, contact Rules at USBC Headquarters (ext. 3155).
Baker System
The Baker System format places emphasis on the team effort rather than individual accomplishments of team members. All team members follow each other in regular order to bowl a single game. For a 5-player team, Player #1 bowls frames 1 and 6; #2 bowls 2 and 7; #3 bowls 3 and 8; #4 bowls 4 and 9; and #5 bowls the 5th and 10th frames. The order of bowling is set by the team captain and may be adjusted at the conclusion of any game.
No Tap
There are two types of no-tap formats commonly used, and the league board of directors must determine by rule which procedure will be followed.
1. A strike is recorded when an individual knocks down a designated number of pins or all ten pins on the first delivery. For any other pin count, the individual receives the actual value and a second delivery is required.
2. A strike is recorded when an individual leaves a specific pin(s) (such as a 5-pin or a 7-pin) or knocks down all ten pins on the first delivery. If any other pin(s) remain standing, the bowler receives the actual value and a second delivery is required.
3-6-9
In a 3-6-9 league, each bowler automatically receives a strike in the third, sixth and ninth frames of each game designated by league rule.
Mail-o-graphic
League competition in which a supplemental fee is charged and scores bowled in other USBC competition are compared to qualify for prizes in one common prize list.
Scotch Doubles
Any combination of two bowlers is allowed. A three-game series is bowled with Bowler A bowling first in each frame and Bowler B bowling at whatever pins are left. If a strike is bowled, the same bowler would continue. Bowler A starts the first and third games, Bowler B starts the second game. Scoring is the same as regulation tenpins.
NOTE: If Bowler A strikes on the first ball in the 10th frame, Bowler A would bowl again. If Bowler A strikes again, Bowler A would roll the last ball. If no strike on the second ball, Bowler B rolls the last ball.
Since the second player only bowls if pins remain standing after the lead-off bowler’s delivery, it is possible that the lead-off player could bowl the entire game without the second player participating in the game.