8 Simple Ways to Win Your Bowling Outing

Here are a few surefire tips to make sure that you take home the metaphorical gold next time you hit the lanes.

Here at Kings, we aren't too worried about your skills on the lanes. Our goal is to create a memorable, interactive entertainment experience with gourmet food, exciting drinks and fun games for every taste. Still, we totally understand the competitive impulse welling up inside of you when you're out for a night on the town with your friends or co-workers. And what better way to show that you're the best around and nothing's gonna ever keep you down than totally taking the people you know to school with a round of bowling?

Whether you're looking to impress the cute new receptionist, trying to show your boss you have moxie or simply trying to prove to your dad that all those hours spent watching The Big Lebowski were worthwhile, here are a few surefire tips to make sure that you take home the metaphorical gold next time you hit the lanes.

1. Pick the right size ball

Thanks to the woefully insufficient bowling education resources in American's public schools (what are my tax dollars even paying for???), many people do not know how to right-size a bowling ball. Traditionally, most adults choose a ball that is between 14 and 15 lbs, but for those who struggle with these heavier balls, between 10 and 12 lbs is common as well. When you pick up a ball, pay attention to how it feels in your hand. You should be able to comfortably raise and lower the ball, but still feel the heft of it when you throw. Also make sure that your fingers can comfortably slide in and out of the holes without sticking. 

2. Confuse your opponents

Distract your opponent with enthusiastic cheerleading! A correctly timed "GO RAY!" can both show your "support" and throw Ray off his stride at a crucial moment.

Alternatively, before the game starts, offer to be the person who enters everyone's names into the score tracker. Discretely misspell everyone's names slightly. When someone starts pulling ahead, insist that you guys were NEVER playing on this lane in the first place! Point to the scoreboard to support your claims. Nothing spells victory like making your opponents question the very nature of reality!

"Bowling can be more of an art than a science."

3. Work on your stance

Don't listen to those jocks in their fancy letterman jackets: Bowling is a sport! Assume a natural, athletic stance when gearing up to take your shot, standing fully upright with your shoulders squared. Straighten the wrist on your bowling hand directly underneath the bowl. As you wind up to throw, take a few steps, remain behind the painted line, and release the ball forcefully straight ahead. Your hand should end in roughly the handshake position. 

4. Buy a couple rounds of drinks

We aren't advocating getting your fellow bowlers dangerously drunk (remember: always drink responsibly!), but a little social lubrication might help everyone have more fun and remember the evening more charitably - as well as knock them off their game. And with our section of fun and funky cocktails, including our signature Big Balls for one to four people, it shouldn't take much convincing.  

5. Hire a professional wrestler to intimidate your opponents

Presented without comment. 

6. Keep your eyes on the prize

Bowling can be more of an art than a science, making aiming tricky. Trying and line the ball up with your eyeline and observe the guide arrows on the lane itself. Using the lane markings as guides can often make your throws more accurate.

7. Magic shoes!

...the guy at the Reebok store said they were magic shoes. 

8. Bribe your fellow players with appetizers

Say it ain't so, Joe! Between our Kung Pao Cauliflower, Bacon Sriracha Deviled Eggs, Not Your Mother's Brussel Sprouts or Kings Famous Baked Wings, we have plenty of tempting choices designed to compel your opponents to take a dive. Looking for an after-dinner bribe? Our sundaes and shakes can guarantee that even victory without honor can be sweet. So very sweet.  

If none of these tips guide you to victory, don't fret: A night at Kings is sure to create amazing, fun memories you won't soon forget.