by Chris Campbell

Bowling is a game, that has roots that go back for hundreds of years. While most of us are familiar with the traditional bowling game that is played in a indoor bowling alley with either 5 or ten pins, there are actually many variations of this popular game.

One of the contributing factors to the success of bowling, is not just the game itself, but the social interaction as well. It can be enjoyed with family and friends. It's easily lends itself to a team sport, but can also be played individually in a group.

Believe it or not, there are some people who would think that bowling indoors is strange, and some people who would think that bowling outdoors is equally strange. But, there are variations of that game that are played in both venues. While they do have differences, they also have a lot more in common.

Due to the nature of a rolling bowl, it makes sense that the typical lane is much longer than it is wide. It wouldn't make a whole lot of sense, to be bowling down a lane that was only five or six feet long. Not much fun either.

In the western hemisphere, ten pin bowling has to be the most played. Although five pin bowling would be a close second, and is great for smaller children, who may not have the strength to handle the bigger 10 pin balls.

A nine pin variation is played quite a bit in Europe, and candle pin is popular in the American north ease, and Canada.

If you ever seen people bowling, with pins that are shorter and chubbier then traditional ten pins, then you've been watching a game called duckpin bowling. It also sometimes, uses a red pin, that shows up randomly. Some bowling lanes offer a free game if you get a strike with the red pin.

People who play a lot of ten pin bowling, would do very well at duckpin. If you ever get a chance to play it, you should give it a go.

Cocked hat bowling would be really tough, if you think 5 pin is tricky. Using only 3 pins placed as far apart from each other as possible, and you throw a duckpin ball. It's like trying to throw spares all the time.

I've been looking for lanes that offer cocked hat bowling, as I'd really like to try it.

Another variant, that is as much like curling, as it is like bowling, is called feather bowling. The goal, is to try and roll your balls as close to the target (feather) at the other end. You can knock other players balls out of the way (like curling).

About the Author:
Be sure to visit Really Fun Bowling Games, to enjoy some Fun Bowling Computer Games. Remember, the more bowling games you play, the more you love bowling.