In bowling, splits are among the most challenging pin configurations to convert, but understanding their names is more than just trivia; it's a key to strategic play. Bowling split names, like the '7-10 split' or 'baby split,' serve as a universal language among bowlers, helping players quickly identify the situation and plan their approach. This article breaks down common split names, their origins, and why knowing them matters for improving your game, if you're a casual league bowler or aiming for higher scores. By mastering this terminology, you can communicate more effectively with teammates and make smarter decisions on the lane.
What Are Bowling Splits and Why Do Their Names Matter?
A bowling split occurs when two or more pins are left standing after the first ball, with a gap between them that makes a spare difficult to achieve. The names given to these splits (such as the 'Greek Church' or 'washout') are not random; they evolved from bowling culture to describe specific pin arrangements vividly. For example, the '7-10 split' refers to pins 7 and 10, the two back corner pins, which are notoriously hard to hit together. Knowing these names helps bowlers quickly assess the difficulty of a spare attempt and discuss strategies. In a practical sense, when a teammate shouts 'you've got a baby split,' it immediately conveys that pins 2 and 7 or 3 and 10 are left, a relatively easier conversion. This terminology streamlines communication during games, reducing confusion and allowing for faster adjustments. Beyond the lanes, split names are often referenced in bowling apparel and gear, like jerseys with slogans such as 'No Split is Too Wide,' emphasizing a positive mindset. Understanding these terms can enhance your appreciation of the sport and improve your tactical awareness, making you a more informed and effective bowler.
Common Bowling Split Names and Their Strategic Implications
Bowling splits come in various forms, each with a unique name that hints at its challenge level. The '7-10 split,' also known as the 'bedposts,' is perhaps the most famous, involving the two back corner pins; it's considered nearly impossible to convert, requiring a perfect shot that deflects one pin into the other. The 'Greek Church' leaves five pins, the 4-6-7-8-10 or the 4-6-7-9-10, in two groups said to look like the outline of a church; it's one of the hardest leaves in the game. The four-pin 4-6-7-10 is a different split, usually called the 'big four'. A 'baby split' refers to pins 2 and 7 or 3 and 10, which are closer together and more convertible with precise targeting. The 'washout' split includes the headpin (pin 1) with pins behind it, such as 1-2-4-10 or 1-3-6-7, and gets its name from the pins 'washing out' to the sides; it requires hitting the headpin at an angle to clear the others. Other notable splits include the 'big four' (4, 6, 7, 10), the 'snake eyes' (7 and 10, but sometimes used for 2 and 7), and the 'lily' (5, 7, and 10). Strategically, knowing these names helps bowlers gauge the spare attempt: for instance, a 'baby split' might call for a straight ball aimed at the gap, while a 'Greek Church' often requires a hook shot to increase pin action. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can better plan your shots and discuss options with coaches or teammates, turning a daunting split into a manageable challenge.
Bowling Split Names Chart
A split is a leave after the first ball where the head pin is down and the pins left standing are separated by at least one fallen pin. If the head pin is still standing, the leave is called a washout (for example 1-2-10 or 1-2-4-10). Washouts look like splits but aren't technically splits, and they're usually easier to convert.
Here are the common split names. Where a split has a mirror image on the other side of the lane, both versions are listed; the diagram shows the first one (highlighted pins are the ones left standing).
| Leave | Pins | Name | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-10 | Bedposts, goal posts, snake eyes | The most famous split: the two back corner pins. Converting it means sliding one pin across the deck into the other, and even pros make it only rarely. | |
| 5-10 | Woolworth, dime store, Kresge | Named after five-and-dime stores (Woolworth's sold items for 5 and 10 cents). Its mirror image, the 5-7, has the same names. | |
| 5-7 | Woolworth, dime store | The left-side version of the dime store. Aim to hit the 5 on its right side so it slides into the 7. | |
| 5-7-10 | Sour apple, Lily, three wise men | The result of a weak hit that leaves the 5 behind with both back corners. | |
| 2-7 / 3-10 | Baby split | Two pins one behind the other with a ball-sized gap. One of the most makeable splits: roll the ball between them and let it clip both. | |
| 2-7-10 / 3-7-10 | Christmas tree, cocked hat | A three-pin spread across the back row and one side. | |
| 7-9 / 8-10 | Cincinnati | Two back-row pins with one pin's gap between them. | |
| 4-6-7-10 | Big four, Golden Gate, double pinochle | Two pins on each side of the lane. Most bowlers settle for picking up two of them. | |
| 4-6-7-8-10 / 4-6-7-9-10 | Greek church | Five pins standing in two groups that look like a church outline. Convertible in theory, extremely rare in practice. | |
| 2-4-6-7-10 / 3-4-6-7-10 | Big five | Five pins split three and two across the lane. | |
| 4-5 (and other side-by-side pairs) | Fit split (the 4-5 is also a steam fitter) | Two pins next to each other with just enough room for the ball to pass between without touching either. |
- What is a 5-10 split called? A Woolworth or dime store split.
- What is the 4-6-7-9-10 called? A Greek church.
- What is the 4-6-7-10 called? The big four (also Golden Gate or double pinochle).
- Is the 7-10 the hardest split? It's the most famous, but the 4-6-7-10 and the Greek church are just as hard to convert completely.
How to Use Split Knowledge to Improve Your Bowling Game
Applying knowledge of bowling split names goes beyond mere recognition; it can directly impact your scoring and confidence on the lanes. Start by learning the basic splits and their names through practice or resources like bowling guides. This builds a mental library for quick decision-making. During a game, when you leave a split, identify it by name to assess its difficulty; for example, a 'washout' (where the head pin is still standing) is usually more convertible than a '7-10 split,' so you can adjust your mindset and shot selection accordingly. Use this terminology to communicate with your team: saying 'I have a baby split' can prompt advice or support, build collaboration. Additionally, understanding splits helps in spare shooting practice; focus on drills for common splits like the 'baby split' or 'washout' to build muscle memory. Equipment choices can also play a role; while not a solution for splits, wearing gear that boosts confidence, such as a personalized bowling jersey with an encouraging message, might help maintain focus. Remember, the goal isn't to avoid splits entirely—they're a natural part of bowling, but to handle them strategically. By integrating split names into your bowling vocabulary, you'll become more adept at reading the lane, making informed shots, and finally lowering your average score over time.
Points Worth Keeping
- Bowling split names, like '7-10 split' or 'Greek Church,' serve as a universal language to quickly identify pin configurations and discuss strategies.
- Knowing common split names helps assess the difficulty of spare attempts, with some splits being nearly impossible (e.g., '7-10') and others more manageable (e.g., 'baby split').
- Using split terminology improves communication with teammates and coaches, enabling faster adjustments and collaborative problem-solving during games.
- Familiarity with splits can guide practice routines, such as drilling on specific configurations to build spare-shooting skills and boost overall bowling performance.
There are some recurring errors worth flagging. Assuming all splits are equally difficult and not adjusting strategy based on the specific name and pin arrangement, leading to missed spare opportunities. Overlooking the importance of split names in team communication, causing confusion or delays when discussing pin setups and shot plans. Focusing too much on avoiding splits rather than learning to convert them, which can hinder skill development and increase frustration on the lanes.
Bowling split names are more than just quirky terms; they are essential tools for strategic play and effective communication in the sport. By decoding names like the '7-10 split' or 'washout,' bowlers can quickly assess challenges, plan smarter shots, and collaborate better with teammates. No matter if you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player refining your game, mastering this language of the lanes can lead to improved scores and a deeper enjoyment of bowling. Embrace these names as part of your bowling toolkit, and remember that even the toughest splits offer opportunities for growth and skill development.