A turkey is probably one of the most well-known terms in bowling term. But what does it really mean? Read on to find out the answer to that and other questions as well as more.
We’ll go over all the information you need to know about bowling terminology, including what a turkey is.
In the world of bowling, a “turkey” isn’t something you gobble up for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a feat of skill and a badge of honor for any bowler. But what exactly is a turkey, and how do you achieve this coveted accomplishment? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of bowling turkeys and explore the secrets to scoring this impressive achievement.
What’s a Turkey in Bowling?
A turkey in bowling terms, refers to the act of knocking down all ten pins with three consecutive strikes. It’s a testament to your accuracy, precision and a bit of luck. While it may seem like a rare feat, with the right technique and practice, anyone can potentially bowl a turkey.
The History of the Bowling Turkey
The origins of the “turkey” term in bowling are as fascinating as the sport itself. It dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when bowling tournaments were popular forms of entertainment. Back then, the prizes for winning these tournaments often included food items, including turkeys
As the popularity of bowling grew, so did the tradition of awarding turkeys to those who managed to knock down all ten pins with three consecutive throws. The term “turkey” stuck, becoming an iconic part of bowling lingo.
How Much is a Turkey Worth in Bowling?
The value of a turkey in bowling goes beyond the literal prize of a bird. In terms of scoring a turkey is worth 10 points for each strike, plus the sum of your next two rolls. This means the minimum score you can get for a turkey is 60, while the maximum is 90.
However, the true value of a turkey lies in the bragging rights and the sense of accomplishment it brings. It’s a symbol of your bowling prowess, a testament to your ability to consistently hit the pins and master the game.
Can Beginners Bowl a Turkey?
While bowling a turkey requires skill and precision, it’s not an impossible feat for beginners. With a combination of proper technique, practice, and a bit of luck, anyone can potentially achieve this bowling milestone.
Here are some tips for beginners who want to increase their chances of bowling a turkey:
- Use the right bowling ball: Choose a ball that’s not too heavy, allowing you to control it and throw it with accuracy. Experiment with different weights and sizes to find the one that feels comfortable.
- Work on your form: Develop a consistent bowling form with a straight approach, a smooth swing, and a proper release. Practice regularly to refine your technique and build muscle memory.
- Perfect your timing: Time your release carefully, ensuring the ball leaves your hand at the lowest point of your swing. This helps maintain a smooth trajectory and increases your chances of hitting the pins.
- Know where to aim: While aiming straight down the middle of the lane might seem intuitive, many professional bowlers aim slightly to the left or right using the lane arrows as reference. Experiment with different aiming points to find what works best for you.
Other Bowling Achievements to Know
The world of bowling is filled with unique terms and achievements, each adding to the excitement and camaraderie of the sport. Here are some other bowling terms you might encounter:
- Spare: Knocking down all ten pins in two rolls.
- Double: Two consecutive strikes.
- Hambone or four-bagger: Four consecutive strikes.
- Brat or five-bagger: Five consecutive strikes.
- Wild Turkey or six-pack: Six consecutive strikes.
- Front seven or seven-bagger: Seven consecutive strikes.
- Octopus or eight-bagger: Eight consecutive strikes.
- Golden Turkey or nine-bagger: Nine consecutive strikes.
- Front Ten or ten-bagger: Ten consecutive strikes.
- Front eleven or eleven-bagger: Eleven consecutive strikes.
- A Perfect Game or Dinosaur: Twelve consecutive strikes, the ultimate bowling achievement.
Bowling a turkey is a significant accomplishment, a testament to your skill and dedication to the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner aiming for your first turkey, remember that practice, technique, and a bit of luck can help you achieve this bowling milestone. So, grab your bowling ball, head to the lanes, and start aiming for those turkeys!
How Many Points Is a Turkey Worth in Bowling?
Each strike is worth 10 points, plus the sum of your next two rolls. A turkey has a base score of 30, but how many pins you manage to knock down on your subsequent rolls will determine your final score.
The most you can earn from a turkey is 90 points, while the lowest is 60. It’s a lot to keep track of, but using a scorecard to keep tabs on things will make much more sense.
Can Beginners Bowl a Turkey?
What makes getting a turkey difficult is that all three frames have to end with a strike. While it’s rare, there’s no reason why a beginner can’t roll a turkey.
Getting a strike requires skill, but it also takes luck. You might find yourself getting a turkey much faster than you expected if you’re having a lucky night or have unpredictably found your groove.
Why is Three Strikes in a Row in Bowling Called a Turkey?
How much is a Turkey worth in Bowling?
The lowest possible score for a turkey is 60 points if the bowler only gets one pin on their first roll and then knocks down all nine remaining pins on their next two rolls. In most cases, a turkey is worth 30 points. However, if a bowler manages to get a turkey in a game of bowling for a perfect match, it is worth an impressive 300 points.
How many points is a Turkey worth in Bowling?
The points earned from a turkey depend on the scoring system being used. If you can get a turkey in a normal game of bowling, you will be doing exceptionally well. In some cases, each strike is worth 10 points so a turkey would be worth 30 points. In other cases, the final score will depend on how many pins are knocked down.
Did a bowler get a Turkey in Bowling?
In other words, when a bowler throws three strikes in a row, we say that he or she got a turkey in bowling. The game of bowling has been around for a long time. In fact, the game has been traced back to 3,200 BC by archeologists who found what appeared to be bowling pins in tombs.
What is a Turkey Bowl?
The term ‘turkey bowl’ refers to a distinct game of bowling played with a frozen turkey as a bowling ball, often around Thanksgiving. It is different from achieving a ‘turkey’ in regular bowling, which denotes three consecutive strikes rolled by a single bowler.