This one’s for newbies to skittles!!
It’s very easy for us at Serious About Events to assume everyone knows the ins and outs of skittles as well as all the fun on the alleys, propping up the bar, chanting etc.
But I thought, with the start of the new skittles league season, it would be good to have an explainer for all the new kids on the alleys – and perhaps a catch up for those of us who’ve forgotten more than we thought we knew.
Skittles has a long and fascinating history (read my last blog) going back to ancient times. But it really came into its own when the game went inside. Suddenly it was being played in pubs, social clubs and community halls – and so it didn’t matter about the fickle British weather.
So back to the game itself. In a nutshell, skittles involves knocking down a set of wooden pins, by rolling a ball at them. The objective is simple: knock down as many skittles as possible with a limited number of throws. It’s particularly popular in the West Country, Midlands, and certain parts of Wales, and there are fascinating variations in all the different regions.
How many pins in a game of Skittles?
The main difference between the modern ten pin bowling is the number of pins and the way they are lined up.
A standard game of skittles features nine pins arranged in a diamond or square formation. Because the ball is smaller in size, it can often pass between the pins without hitting any, unlike in ten-pin bowling where the only way to miss the pins is by rolling the ball into the gutters.
The skittles are traditionally made of wood, with a rounded base, making them more challenging to knock over compared to modern bowling pins. Each pin is usually around 10-12 inches tall, and their arrangement can slightly vary depending on local rules or traditions.
Differences between the ball in Skittles & Ten Pin Bowling
Unlike, today’s modern ten pin bowling. a standard game of skittles features nine pins arranged in a diamond or square formation. Because the ball is smaller in size, it can often pass between the pins without hitting any, unlike in ten-pin bowling where the only way to miss the pins is by rolling the ball into the gutters. So we’re talking a lot more skill here, people!
The skittles are traditionally made of wood, with a rounded base, making them more challenging to knock over, compared to modern bowling pins. Each pin is usually around 10-12 inches tall, and their arrangement can slightly vary depending on local rules or traditions.
The skittles ball is much smaller and lighter than a ten-pin bowling ball, traditionally made of wood but nowadays made of plastics or rubber. They typically measure around 4 to 6 inches in diameter and weigh 2 to 4 pounds.
Traditionally the shape, weight and size of these balls can also differ. Some variations use a “cheese” or flattened ball, while others may use a more spherical shape.
In contrast, the ten-pin bowling ball is larger and heavier, with a diameter of about 8.5 inches and a weight ranging from 6 to 16 pounds. It is perfectly spherical and features finger holes for better grip.
How do you play Skittles?
The basic premise of skittles is straightforward, traditionally there are lots of variations and nuances that add depth to the game:
- Setting Up: The nine skittles are set up in a diamond or square pattern at one end of the alley. The player stands at the other end, often behind a marked line.
- Playing the Game: Players take turns rolling the ball down the alley, aiming to knock over as many skittles as possible. Typically, each player has three attempts per turn to score points by knocking down the skittles.
- Scoring: The number of skittles knocked down is recorded as the player’s score for that turn. The game usually consists of several rounds, and the player with the highest total score at the end is declared the winner.
- Regional Variations: Some regions have their own versions of skittles with slightly different rules. For example, in Bristol, the pins are often arranged in a square, while in other areas, a diamond formation is more common, and anywhere between one to three goes has been customary in the game’s development.
How long does a game of Skittles take?
The length of a skittles game can vary, depending on the number of players and the specific rules in play. A typical game with a few players might last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. It can also involve chanting, crowd participation and very occasionally dragging a player away from the bar. On our skittles weekends, you will encounter players wearing fancy dress just to add to the proceedings.
In a competitive setting, where multiple rounds and turns are involved, a match could extend to two hours or more. However, because skittles is often played in a relaxed, social environment, the pace can vary widely. So don’t bother to set watches or tell your nearest and dearest what time you’ll be home.
How to play Skittles well
Serious stuff now! Playing skittles well requires a blend of technique, strategy, and practice:
- Focus on Accuracy: Unlike ten-pin bowling, where power is often key, a game of skittles requires very precise aiming. Concentrate on hitting specific pins, especially those at the edges of the formation, to create a domino effect.
- Perfect Your Roll: Get familiar with the type of ball you’re using. Practising with different grips and release techniques can help improve accuracy and control.
- Study the Alley: Every skittle alley is different, with variations in length, width, and surface texture. Understanding how the ball behaves on the particular alley you’re playing on, can give you an edge.
- Practice Consistently: Like any sport, regular practice is essential. The more you play, the better you’ll become at judging distances, angles, and the force required to knock down the pins.
Variations on a theme – it’s complicated!
A bit like regional accents and different vocabulary, skittles has its own regional variations. Wherever you’re playing, you might encounter different lengths of alley, foot and ball lines.
Welsh and Bristol skittlers tend to play with skinny pins whereas the Westcountry teams go for fatter versions which means they get higher scores. A score of 35 in Bristol would be the equivalent of a slam dunk, whereas in North Devon you’d be looking at 60-80 for any crowd adulation.
Let’s now talk balls…… Some teams in Taunton and parts of Somerset use egg shaped balls which you must throw at least once, instead of rolling. And still in Somerset, some alleys have metal pitch plates that you must hit first for your score to count.
Even team sizes can vary from six to maybe 12 players. They could be playing anything from four or five legs to eight. The average time for a game is about 1 hr 30 mins but two hours or more of non stop fun have been known.
And finally the throw. In Dorset and parts of Somerset, skittlers use a double handed throw. The spectacular Dorset Flop involves two hands and some body propulsion.
Get involved for fun or competition
So, if you’re reading this and never encountered skittles before, we suggest you google your area for pubs, clubs and community halls with skittle alleys. And better still why not join one of our Skittles weekends to enjoy the game and refine your technique in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Some of the teams are regular players, others are often family, friend or workmate groups who get a team together for a fun weekend away.
Regardless of your age or experience, mastering skittles can be a rewarding sport for all ages with a great social side to it. So long as you can hurl a ball down an alley and be a good sport, you’re in. Singing, chanting, consumption of beer and standing your round are optional but highly rated extras!
