Bowling Scores

Only 198 perfect-300 games were rolled in bowling alleys in 1952. In 1970, the total was up to 854 perfect games. But by 2003, that number had shot up to 48,810 in spite of the fact that there are fewer bowling alleys today. Are bowlers getting better? Probably not. Experts say the increase is most likely the result of a lane-oiling method called the "house shot" in which a heavier coat of shine is applied to the center of the lane, with the sides left thinner to form "dry boards."