Table Bowl

How to Play Shuffleboard – Things You Should Know

How To Play Shuffleboard

How to Play Shuffleboard

Looking for a new and exciting game to play with friends and family that combines the best of shuffleboard and bowling? Shuffleboard Bowling is here to your rescue! The game is fun and interactive. An exceptionally unique way to spend time with loved ones while also improving your skills in both shuffleboard and bowling, what more could you have asked for?

Also known as table shuffleboard, it is a modern take on two classics. Suitable for people of all ages and skill sets, this version is pretty adaptable. The game is appropriate for a variety of settings. It is a great way to socialize and be involved in light physical activity. Let go of all the communication barriers and enjoy the game. In this blog post, we shall discuss the basic drill and strategies to implement while playing Shuffleboard Bowling, PS you would also find some tips for improving your game.

The objective of playing shuffleboard bowling is to slide weighted pucks down the shuffleboard table in the direction of the scoring area. The scoring area is divided into numbered zones. The higher-numbered areas indicate higher scores. The players must land their pucks or weighted biscuits in those higher-scoring areas and at the same time prevent the pucks from falling off the table.

What Makes Shuffleboard Bowling Suitable For Almost Everyone?

The versatility of the game speaks for itself but let’s have a closer insight into what makes shuffleboard bowling suitable for everyone! 

Moderate Physical Activity - 

Shuffleboard bowling doesn’t require a lot of physical activity which is why people from different age groups and with different abilities can play easily. It does not physically drain the body.

Indoor Game

– This game is a great option for areas with harsh weather conditions and limited outdoor space because it is typically played indoors. You can play it in community centers, bars,  or even at home.

Uncomplicated

– This game is very easily comprehensible with a short learning curve. This makes it a piece of cake for beginners or people who may not be familiar with more complex games. 

Social Aspect

– Shuffleboard bowling can be played one on one or in teams making it a fun way to connect with family and friends.

Shuffleboard Bowling can be played with two or four players. If there are two players, they compete against each other. However, when played with four players, they form teams of two players each.

Equipment Used For Playing Shuffleboard Bowling is Readily Available

Here’s The List of Things Required -

Shuffleboard Table

– Shuffleboard bowling is played on a long narrow table with an even and leveled surface. Usually, a shuffleboard table is 22 feet long, but smaller sizes may also be used for places with limited space. 

Shuffleboard Wax

– Shuffleboard wax also known as shuffleboard salt, powder or sand helps in making the playing surface smooth for the pucks to glide smoothly across the table.

Pucks

– Shuffleboard bowling is played using weighted biscuits or pucks. These can be made of plastic or a combination of plastic and metal. These pucks are made in a way that they slide smoothly. 

Obstacles or Pins

– Players can score extra points by aiming at obstacles or pins which are usually placed in a triangular formation at the end of the board like bowling pins. 

Scoreboard

– A scoreboard is used to keep a track of the score, it may be a physical or a digital one. You can choose from a variety of scoring systems when going in for playing shuffleboard bowling. Most people don’t prefer the 300 scoring system because of the complicated calculations involved in it. Adhering to the 300 scoring system is quite exhausting and eliminates the fun of the game. However, Table Bowl uses a modified and interesting scoring system.

While bowling, your hand should not touch the ball and the bowling surface at the same time. It ensures the bowlers don’t slide the ball instead of bowling. It is preferred that the person you are bowling against stands behind the pins when you are bowling for smooth execution. This allows them to re-rack and adjust the pins besides rolling the ball back for your next bowl. Once you’ve bowled they can rack for themselves and switch places with you.

Modified 300 Scoring System

The score is tabulated based on how many pins you hit for the first and second roll of the frame just like normal bowling. The difference is that if you get a spare, you’ll receive 15 points every time that happens. Even if you bowl a 1 for the first roll and then you knock the remaining 9 pins during your second roll, you will receive 15 points. So 1+9, 7+3, and 5+5 all will net you 15 points. 

Initial strikes are counted as 20 points. Consecutive strikes are counted as 30 points except for the final 2 frames 11 and 12 which are worth 15 points each assuming you strike frames 10, 11, and 12. 

Just like normal bowling, if you pick up a spare in the final 10th frame you get to bowl one more roll in the 11th frame. If you bowl a strike in frame 10 you get to bowl 2 more rolls. This can either net you a strike in the 11th frame and a re-rack for a final 12th frame roll or 2 rolls in the 11th frame if you don’t strike. So to be clear if you pick up the spare in the 10th frame you only get one more roll. If you get a strike in the 10th frame you get 2 more rolls, and that’s it.

You may apply shuffleboard sand or not. However, removing the sand from the area where the pins sit is recommended. If you’re bowling without wax on the shuffleboard table, it is helpful to spray the table with silicone. The silicone proves to be helpful as it acts like oil on a real lane and facilitates the ball to spin. The ball should be washed from time to time using dish soap which removes any oils as the ball gets slippery just as a real bowling ball would. 

There are multiple bowling techniques and you should whichever suits you the best. One way is to bowl like in real bowling, with hands under the ball and then throw it over the top for a spin. 

As stated earlier, Shuffleboard Bowling is a combination of Shuffleboard and Bowling. Nevertheless, 

Difference Between Both Traditional Bowling And Shuffleboard In The Following Ways

Playing Surface

– Shuffleboard bowling is usually played on a wooden or synthetic board, whereas traditional bowling is played on a synthetic or wooden lane. 

Equipment Required

– Shuffleboard uses small, round, weighted discs called pucks that are slid down the board towards a scoring area. A heavy ball is rolled down the lane towards ten pins in traditional bowling. Whereas in shuffleboard bowling the pucks or discs are shaped like miniature bowling pins.

Scoring

– In Shuffleboard, points are scored by sliding pucks as close to the end of the table as possible. The basis of scoring is where the pucks land on the board, with higher scores awarded for getting closer to the scoring area in Shuffleboard Bowling but in Traditional Bowling the score depends on the number of pins knocked down.

The Number of Players

 – Traditional bowling can accommodate large groups whereas shuffleboard bowling and shuffleboard both can be played with two or four players.

The Pace of Play

– Shuffleboard bowling and shuffleboard both are played at a slower pace than traditional bowling, with players taking turns sliding their pucks. 

Overall, shuffleboard bowling is a less physically demanding game than traditional bowling. Traditional bowling requires more physical strength and skill to knock down the pins.

How is Shuffleboard Bowling Advantageous?

Low-Impact

– Shuffleboard bowling is a low-impact activity. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy it. It doesn’t require a lot of physical exertion. It is a great way to get some light exercise without putting too much strain on your body. 

Social Activity

– Shuffleboard bowling is usually played in groups. It is a fun way to socialize and meet new people. 

Improvement of Hand-Eye Coordination

– The game requires players to slide pucks across a table which helps to improve hand-eye coordination and enhance motor skills. It is particularly beneficial for old aged people for whom it’s important to maintain cognitive function.

A Fun Way To Relieve Stress

– Playing shuffleboard bowling is a wonderful way to relieve stress and relax after a tedious day. It is a simple and low-pressure game that can help you forget about your worries. 

A Strategic Game

– Shuffleboard bowling requires players to think strategically about where to aim their pucks to score points. This can help improve decision-making skills in a person, making it a great game. 

Overall Shuffleboard Bowling is a classic bar game which gained popularity in recent years due to its accessibility and suitability. It’s a fun and exciting game for players of all skill levels. So grab a cue, slide some pucks, and see how you stack up against the competition!

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