What is No Tap Bowling?

Bowling is a beloved pastime for many, providing hours of fun competition and camaraderie. Though bowling has been around for centuries, new variations continue to emerge that put a fresh spin on the classic game. One such variation that has become popular in recent decades is no tap bowling. In this format, bowlers don’t need to knock down all 10 pins to score a strike. But what exactly is no tap bowling and how does it work? Let’s take a closer look at this beginner-friendly version of tenpin bowling.

Definition of No Tap Bowling

The main difference between no tap bowling and traditional bowling is that bowlers don’t need to knock down every pin to earn a strike. The “no tap” name refers to not needing to tap down all 10 pins with the ball.

In most no tap formats, knocking down 9 pins counts as a strike. Other common options are 8-pin no tap, where 8 pins knocked down earns a strike, or 7-pin no tap. The specific number of pins required for a strike can vary based on the league or tournament.

By making strikes easier, no tap bowling helps level the playing field between experienced bowlers and novices. It also provides a handicap for casual bowlers who want to compete against more skilled opponents.

How No Tap Bowling Varies from Regular Bowling

Compared to standard tenpin bowling, no tap bowling has some key differences:

• Easier to score strikes: With less pins required, strikes are much more attainable. Even decent bowlers can expect to have multiple strikes per game.
• Levels the playing field: Since strikes are easier, new bowlers can score similarly to seasoned veterans. This creates a more even match when people of different skill levels play together.
• Changes strategy: There is less pressure on picking up spares since strikes are frequent. Bowlers may take more risks with lower pin leaves.
• Potentially higher scores: The scoring pace is higher thanks to more strikes. A perfect 300 game is achievable by a wider range of bowlers.
• Less precision required: Bowlers don’t need to hit the pocket or have pinpoint accuracy. Knocking down 8 or 9 pins is doable even with a less accurate throw.

By reducing the precision required, no tap bowling enables casual play and handicap systems for mixed skill competition. At the same time, it changes the strategy compared to standard bowling.

Origins of the Term “No Tap”

So where exactly does the “no tap” name come from?

In traditional bowling, a common technique for picking up spare leaves with only a few remaining pins is to “tap” the ball into the pins. By lightly tapping the ball, the bowler can knock over just the specific pins left standing.

Since no tap bowling doesn’t require picking up low pin leaves to convert a strike, there is no need to tap the ball. Hence the name no tap bowling.

The first recorded use of the term appears to be in the late 1950s. No tap bowling leagues and tournaments began emerging in the 1960s and popularity grew from there. The simpler scoring format opened up bowling to a wider audience beyond hardcore enthusiasts.

Scoring and Rules in No Tap Bowling

While the scoring method in no tap bowling aligns with traditional bowling, there are some variations and additional rules to understand.

How Scoring Works

The scoring system itself remains the same in no tap bowling, with strikes earning 10 plus the next two rolls and spares earning 10 plus the next roll. What changes is the ease of scoring strikes.

For example, in 9-pin no tap:

• Knocking down 9 or 10 pins on the first roll is a strike (10 + next two balls).
• 8 pins or fewer is scored normally by adding the pin count of the first and second rolls.
• A spare is scored by 10 + next roll. This requires knocking down all 10 pins using two rolls.

Some key differences from regular bowling scoring:

• Strikes occur more frequently, leading to more double and triple strikes.
• Spares are harder since all 10 pins need to be cleared over two shots.
• Open frames with no strikes or spares are less common.

The scoring pace is faster and not every frame requires picking up spares. No tap bowling rewards accuracy while relaxing precision demands.

Variations in No Tap Formats

While 9-pin no tap is most common, there are a few other pin count options:

• 8-Pin No Tap: Knocking down 8 or more pins is a strike. A great choice for novice leagues.
• 7-Pin No Tap: Hits that take down 7 or more pins count as strikes. One of the more handicapped formats.
• 9/8-Pin No Tap: Either 9 or 8 pins qualifies for a strike. Allows some wiggle room.
• 8/7-Pin No Tap: Strikes are awarded for clearing 8 or 7 pins. An intermediate no tap difficulty.

The chosen format affects the pace of play and how handicapped it feels relative to standard bowling. Leagues may switch formats occasionally to change things up. Tournaments sometimes use brackets with different formats.

Other Rules

No tap bowling adheres to the same foul line and gutter rules as regular bowling. The player must avoid crossing the foul line during their approach and release. Balls in the gutter or bouncing into the gutter are counted as zero pins.

Rules about pinsetting malfunctions, dead wood, and resets also align with traditional bowling. The only major difference is the number of pins required for a strike.

Benefits and Drawbacks of No Tap Bowling

Changing the strike requirements has some clear advantages but also a few potential disadvantages to consider:

Benefits

• More strikes equals more fun. Frequent strikes make no tap bowling feel more rewarding, especially for casual bowlers. Knocking down 8 or 9 pins consistently provides encouragement.
• Allows beginners to compete with experienced bowlers. By reducing the strike difficulty, novice players can score similarly to seasoned pros. This evens the playing field when groups of mixed skill compete.
• Good training aid for improving aim. The margin for error is wider, enabling bowlers to work on aim without punishing precision. No tap bowling can help build fundamentals.
• Accommodates different skill levels. The handicapped format accommodates players who tire more easily, have disabilities, or lack refined skills. More people can participate meaningfully.

Drawbacks

• Not taken seriously by avid bowlers. Among bowling purists, no tap formats might be seen as not requiring “real” bowling skills. The relaxed precision may seem like an unearned advantage.
• Scores can seem inflated. High scores are common, so 300 games aren’t as special. This can bother bowlers used to rarer perfect games in standard bowling.
• Less competitive at high levels. For top bowlers, no tap bowling removes some competitiveness by reducing the challenge. It lacks the pressure of picking up tough spares.
• Can develop bad habits. Learning in no tap formats could lead some bowlers to underestimate the precision required for regular bowling. It may instill sloppy habits.

Weighing these pros and cons helps determine when no tap bowling is advantageous and when standard formats may be preferable.

Playing No Tap Bowling

For casual play, no tap bowling has become a frequent default option. But competitive tournaments exist as well. Here is how to get involved with no tap leagues and tournaments:

Leagues and Tournaments

Many local house bowling leagues use no tap scoring or have no tap divisions to accommodate beginners. These leagues emphasize friendly competition and socializing.

Larger tournaments specifically for 9-pin or 8-pin no tap scoring are held across North America. The North Pointe National No Tap Tournament held in Michigan is one popular example attracting serious bowlers.

Many online leagues and challenges like the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) also incorporate no tap divisions. Competition ranges from regional to national scale.

Tips for Beginners

For bowlers new to no tap formats, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t get overconfident about high scores. Remember that strikes are easier, so a 180 is not equivalent to standard bowling.
• Make smart decisions on tricky spare leaves. Fewer must-make spares means considering offensive vs. defensive shots.
• Use it as practice. The lower pressure sets up beginners to work on release, aim, and adjusting lines.
• Focus on making quality shots. Even without the 10-pin requirement, staying in the pocket consistently matters for development.
• Consider it the first step before transitioning to standard scoring. No tap builds fundamentals applicable to mainstream bowling.

Finding No Tap Bowling

Many bowling centers and entertainment venues offer no tap bowling options:

• Check the house rules. No tap leagues and cosmic bowling nights commonly use 9-pin scoring.
• Inquire about no tap leagues. Centers may run permanent or seasonal no tap leagues for casual bowlers.
• Request it for group events. No tap is perfect for kids’ birthdays, corporate functions, church events, etc.
• Join a summer league. Summer, when regular leagues are on break, is peak season for short no tap leagues.

Look for glow bowling nights and Rock ‘n Bowl themed events using no tap scoring to appeal to groups looking for laidback fun.

FAQs:

Q: What are the most common no tap formats?

A: The most popular versions are 9-pin no tap, where 9 pins knocked down is a strike, and 8-pin no tap, where 8 pins counts as a strike.

Q: Can you get a perfect game in no tap bowling?

A: Yes, bowlers can still achieve a score of 300 with 12 consecutive strikes in a no tap format. However, it is much easier compared to a 300 game in standard bowling.

Q: What are some other names for no tap bowling?

A: No tap is also sometimes called 9-pin tap, 8-pin tap, almost bowling, or mini bowling. The names all refer to reduced pin requirements for a strike.

Q: Can you use bumpers in no tap bowling?

A: Yes, bumpers are allowed in no tap. The combined changes make bowling quite easy, perfect for small children and beginners learning.

Conclusion

No tap bowling opens up bowling to wider participation through its relaxed strike requirements. By only needing to knock down 8 or 9 pins for a strike, novice and casual bowlers can score well without high precision skills. This format is perfect for recreational or mixed skill play.

Of course, no tap has its critics from purist bowlers who see it as diminishing bowling prowess. There are also risks of developing sloppy habits if over-reliant on the easier scoring format. But as an occasional change of pace or stepping stone for beginners, no tap bowling has merits.

For anyone who wants bowling to be more fun and carefree, no tap formats eliminate some pressure and even the playing field. Giving strikes more margin for error lets bowlers bond over friendly competition. While traditional tenpin bowling still reigns supreme for serious competitors, no tap offers a less intimidating gateway into bowling.