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Author Topic: Bowling - sport or game of chance?  (Read 3380 times)

kmanestor22

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Bowling - sport or game of chance?
« on: July 24, 2007, 05:47:17 PM »
Let's face it.  Even on "sport" patterns, bowling is more of a game of chance than skill.  There is a degree of chance in every little variable in our game.  The lane you draw is more important than physical ability, especially on tough conditions.  Some lanes play tighter than others, some have better racks, higher flat gutters, bouncier kick panels, etc.  Knowing how certain lanes are different helps, but how is it fair for one individual to compete on the worst carrying pair in the house against another of equal or lesser skill bowling on the best carrying pair in the house?  Sometimes playing the pattern correctly and making good shots just isn't enough.  

Personally, I now see bowling as a hybrid: a game of both skill and chance, much like poker.  Skill will only get you so far.  People with half your skill can do just as well or better than you simply by catching breaks.  When you're the one catching the breaks it's great, but when you're on the other end you end up writing stuff like this!
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mainzer

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Re: Bowling - sport or game of chance?
« Reply #1 on: July 25, 2007, 08:59:15 AM »
In any Sport Luck comes into play eventually but the better will prevail 9 out of 10 times, I consisder bowling a Sport can the averqge joe off the street just walk in grab a ball and throw it and average 2+ not with out practice no he can't, albeit it don't take much practice these days but it still takes practice.

Also that same joe on a Sport or PBA pattern wouldn't have a chance against good bowlers that are experienced in accuracy and consistent shot making which is only learned through years and years of practice on more difficult lane conditions.

Bottom Line I say Sport when you are in oragnized leagues and tournements.
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shelley

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Re: Bowling - sport or game of chance?
« Reply #2 on: July 25, 2007, 09:10:44 AM »
The saying that "great bowlers make their own luck" makes me think that luck but a small part of success.  Luck applies to everyone, skill must be what separates us. If someone seems lucky because they always seem to carry that trip-4 or get the flying messenger to take out the 10-pin, then they've developed their release, roll, and reaction to make those things happen.

SH
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Fluff E Bunnie

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Re: Bowling - sport or game of chance?
« Reply #3 on: July 25, 2007, 09:18:00 AM »
quote:
The saying that "great bowlers make their own luck" makes me think that luck but a small part of success.  Luck applies to everyone, skill must be what separates us. If someone seems lucky because they always seem to carry that trip-4 or get the flying messenger to take out the 10-pin, then they've developed their release, roll, and reaction to make those things happen.

SH


I also believe this.
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justdale

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Re: Bowling - sport or game of chance?
« Reply #4 on: July 25, 2007, 09:31:25 AM »
Of course there is some luck involved, good or bad. We've all seen the stuffed 8 or 9 pin. We've all been on the other end too, the bucket crumbler, or the trip 4 ( 6 for you lefties). The weak corner pins, some of the bowlers out there believe they deserve the good breaks, and they are the first ones to complain about the solid pin standing. But, through practice and trial and error, we develope our own way of bowling. So to me YES bowling is a sport
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Juggernaut

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Re: Bowling - sport or game of chance?
« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2007, 09:34:07 AM »
Somewhere I seem to remember a saying that goes like this:

 "Luck favors the well prepared"

  Anybody else recall this or where it's from?
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dizzyfugu

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Re: Bowling - sport or game of chance?
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2007, 09:44:05 AM »
I like to think of bowling as an "analogue" game. There is no logic behind it like poker. It is much closer to other accuracy sports like golf, darts or shooting. Yes, there are a lot of variables involved, but of some you are simply not in control. The same goes for any other player around - so whining about conditions etc. is IMHO futile. If you doubt the lane condition, thell the referee or the overseeing body about it, IF you think it creates uneven chances. That's your right as a player, and this has happpened in official league around here in any league division I know. The same should go for a house league, if the lane operator understands the idea of competitive bowling.

After all, bowling is IMO about physical skill as well as knowledge, mental toughness and (lane) intelligence. Is there luck involved? Maybe, but since this "luck" is either out of control or simply affects anyone, it is irrelevant.

Be a good bowler, bowl well. Everywhere. It is that simple
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