How to Play Bowliards: Bowling Rules on a Pool Table

Quick answer: Bowliards is a pool game scored like bowling. You rack ten object balls in a triangle. Each frame, you get two turns, called innings, to pocket all ten balls with called shots. If you make all ten in your first inning, that is a strike. If you need both innings to make all ten, that is a spare. Each ball you make counts as a pin. You play ten frames, and you score them like bowling, with bonus points for strikes and spares. A perfect game is 300, just like bowling.

How to play bowliards: ten pool balls racked in a triangle with a score sheet that looks like a bowling score card
How to play bowliards: ten balls, ten frames, and bowling style scoring.

Bowliards is great for solo practice and for friendly games. If you know how to keep score in bowling, you already know most of it.

What You Need

  • A pool table
  • Ten object balls (any ten)
  • A cue ball
  • A triangle rack
  • A score sheet, a bowling score sheet works great

How a Frame Works

  1. Rack the ten balls in a triangle.
  2. Take your first inning. Break or open the rack based on the rules you agree on, then shoot called shots.
  3. Keep shooting as long as you make your called ball.
  4. When you miss, your first inning ends.
  5. Take your second inning from where the balls sit.
  6. Count the balls you made. Each ball is like one pin.

Rules for the opening shot and fouls can vary, so agree on them before you start.

Strikes and Spares

Result What it means How it scores
Strike All ten balls in the first inning 10 plus the next two innings’ balls
Spare All ten balls using both innings 10 plus the next inning’s balls
Open frame Fewer than ten balls after two innings Just the balls made

Simple Scoring Example

Say in frame one you make all ten balls in your first inning. That is a strike. In frame two you make 6 balls, then 2 more. Frame one scores 10 + 6 + 2 = 18. Frame two scores 8, for a total of 26.

The Tenth Frame

Just like in bowling, if you get a strike or a spare in the tenth frame, you get bonus innings to finish your bonus points.

Why Bowliards Is Great Practice

  • It uses called shots, so you learn to aim and plan.
  • It rewards running balls, like straight pool.
  • You can play alone and track your score over time.
  • It is fun with friends of any skill level.

If you like running balls, also read our straight pool rules page.

Tips to Score Higher

  1. Plan your first shot after the break. Look for an easy ball with an easy next shot.
  2. Use soft speed to keep the cue ball near the middle.
  3. Break up clusters early while you still have shots left.
  4. Play smart in the second inning. You start where the balls lie, so take the easiest path.

Other Fun Games

Want more games with a twist? Try how to play golf on a pool table or our list of pool games for 2 players.

Fouls in Bowliards

Fouls are often counted against the inning. For example, a scratch may end your inning, and a ball made on a foul may not count. Different groups use slightly different foul rules, so write down the rules you agree on before your first frame. That way the score is fair for everyone.

Keeping Score

A bowling score sheet has ten boxes, one for each frame, with small boxes for each inning. Mark an X for a strike and a slash for a spare, then add up the running total as you go. Keep your old sheets to see your progress.

The Bottom Line

Bowliards is pool with bowling scoring. Rack ten balls, take two innings per frame, call your shots, and score strikes, spares, and open frames over ten frames. It is a fun way to practice running balls, alone or with friends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many balls are used in bowliards?

Ten object balls plus the cue ball.

What is a strike in bowliards?

Making all ten balls in your first inning of a frame.

What is a perfect score in bowliards?

300, the same as a perfect game in bowling.

Can you play bowliards alone?

Yes. Many players use it as a solo practice game and track their scores.