Interactive Tactical Guide

Bowling Spare & Split Library

Master every tricky leave on the lane. Understand pin geometry, historical conversion rates, and the exact targeting lines recommended by coaching algorithms.

The Bedposts / Snake Eyes

7-10 Split

Extreme

The most infamous split in bowling. The two outermost corner pins are left standing on opposite ends of the lane.

78910

456

Pro Conversion Rate0.7%2 pins standing

Tactical Shot Path:Directly hit the inside edge of pin 10 with extreme ball speed, attempting to bounce the pin across the back pit into pin 7.

Target Arrow: Extreme cross-lane from far left, rolling across board 15 with speed

The Big Four

4-6-7-10 Split

Extreme

Both pairs of corner back-row pins remain after a light pocket or flat strike attempt.

78910

456

Pro Conversion Rate1.2%4 pins standing

Tactical Shot Path:Slide either the 4 pin across into the 6-10, or slide the 6 pin across into the 4-7.

Target Arrow: Target the thin outside edge of pin 4 or pin 6

Greek Church

4-6-7-9-10 Split

Extreme

Resembles a traditional church cathedral with 3 pins on one side and 2 on the other.

78910

456

Pro Conversion Rate1.8%5 pins standing

Tactical Shot Path:Aim for the 3-pin side (6-9-10) to generate maximum pin deflection across into the 4-7 side.

Target Arrow: Roll cross-lane into the right cluster between the 6 and 9 pins

The Bucket (Right-Handed)

2-4-5-8 Cluster

Medium

A diamond cluster of 4 pins that requires precise ball drive so the hidden 8-pin sleeper is carried.

78910

456

Pro Conversion Rate72%4 pins standing

Tactical Shot Path:Do not hit too light or you will leave the 8-pin. Drive the ball firmly through the 2-5 pocket.

Target Arrow: Target board 14 with a continuous roll into the 2-5 pocket

The Washout

1-2-4-10 Leave

Hard

Because headpin 1 is still standing, it is not an official split, but the isolated 10-pin makes it treacherous.

78910

456

Pro Conversion Rate28%4 pins standing

Tactical Shot Path:Hit the right side of pin 1 so pin 1 or the ball deflects across the entire lane into pin 10.

Target Arrow: Target slightly right of the headpin across arrow 2

Baby Split (Righty)

3-10 Split

Medium

A common split where pin 3 must be slid cleanly into pin 10 right behind it.

78910

456

Pro Conversion Rate58%2 pins standing

Tactical Shot Path:Aim for the right edge of the 3-pin to kick it back and sideways into the 10-pin.

Target Arrow: Stand left, target the right face of the 3-pin on board 12

Double Wood / Tandem

2-8 Sleeper

Medium

The 8-pin is hidden directly behind the 2-pin, requiring a dead-center hit to prevent chopping.

78910

456

Pro Conversion Rate84%2 pins standing

Tactical Shot Path:Roll dead-center into the 2-pin. If you hit either side thin, the front pin will chop off leaving the 8 standing.

Target Arrow: Roll straight down board 15 directly through the center of pin 2

Right Corner Pin

Single 10-Pin

Easy

The single most common spare leave for right-handed bowlers throwing a hook ball into the pocket.

78910

456

Pro Conversion Rate91%1 pin standing

Tactical Shot Path:Stand on the extreme left of the approach (board 35) and throw a flat plastic spare ball cross-lane across the center arrow directly at pin 10.

Target Arrow: Cross-lane over the 3rd or 4th arrow (center board 20)