A double in bowling is two consecutive strikes in the same game. Strike in frame 4, strike in frame 5 — that's a double. The term is standard bowling vocabulary, universally understood, and the most common multi-strike sequence in the game. Nearly every bowler who has played for more than a few sessions has bowled a double.
How Much Does a Double Score?
The scoring impact of a double depends on what comes after it, because strikes are scored with bonus points from future deliveries. Here's the math:
For the first strike in a double: the frame scores 10 + the next two balls. If both next balls are also strikes (the second strike of the double, then the first ball of the following frame), the first strike scores 10 + 10 + (next ball). If the next ball after the double is, say, 8 pins, the first strike scores 10 + 10 + 8 = 28.
For the second strike: scores 10 + the next two balls (whatever comes after the double).
| Sequence | First strike scores | Second strike scores |
|---|---|---|
| Double, then 8-1 | 10+10+8 = 28 | 10+8+1 = 19 |
| Double, then spare (10 pins) | 10+10+10 = 30 | 10+10+? = varies |
| Double, then another strike (turkey) | 10+10+10 = 30 | 10+10+10 = 30 |
The Bowling Streak Ladder
| Consecutive Strikes | Name |
|---|---|
| 2 | Double |
| 3 | Turkey |
| 4 | Hambone (coined by ESPN's Rob Stone) |
| 5 | Five-bagger / Brat |
| 6 | Six-pack / Wild Turkey |
| 9 | Golden Turkey |
| 12 | Perfect game (300) |
Why Doubles Are the Key to 200 Games
A common scoring benchmark is 200 — the threshold that separates competent league bowlers from beginners and casual players. Bowling exactly 200 requires either striking enough with good bonus chains, or a combination of strikes, spares, and fortunate sequencing.
Analysis of 200-game scorecards consistently shows that 2–4 doubles within the game are the most common pattern. You don't need a turkey or a long strike streak to bowl 200 — you need consistent spare shooting and at least a couple of doubles at the right moments to generate the bonus chain that elevates the score. A bowler who throws 6 strikes all in pairs (three doubles) with single-pin spares in between will often approach or exceed 200.
This is why developing the mental habit of "doing the same thing after a strike" is so important. The second ball of a double is the one that gets interrupted by excitement, over-adjustment, or over-thinking. The double is available on almost every good strike shot — if you can just repeat it.