The Most Difficult Split to Pick Up in Bowling, Ranked

Choose the split you think is the most difficult!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:26
Bowling enthusiasts often debate which split is the toughest challenge on the lanes. Each split presents a unique test of precision and skill, impacting both seasoned players and novices alike. Understanding which splits are considered most daunting can help players focus on improving specific aspects of their game. On this site, users are invited to cast their votes on different splits, contributing to a dynamic ranking that reflects the collective experience of the community. By participating, voters not only engage with an active community of fellow bowling aficionados but also assist in creating a useful resource for players aiming to master the art of picking up tough splits.

What Is the Most Difficult Split to Pick up in Bowling?

  1. 1
    48
    votes
    This is the most difficult split to pick up in bowling, as the pins are situated at the back of the lane and require a precise angle and speed to knock them both down.
    The '7-10 Split' is considered one of the most challenging splits in bowling. It occurs when the bowler leaves only the 7th and 10th pins standing at the end of the lane, with no other pins in between.
    • Difficulty Level: Considered one of the most difficult splits to pick up in bowling
    • Frequency: Relatively rare and uncommon
    • Formation: Occurs when the bowler's ball drives through the middle of the pin deck, leaving only the 7th and 10th pin standing
    • Pin Placement: The 7th pin is positioned on the left side of the lane, while the 10th pin is on the right side
    • Lack of Pin Deflection: Low possibility of pin deflection or knockdown from other pins due to the large gap between the 7th and 10th pins
  2. 2
    50
    votes
    Known as the "Big Four," this split requires the ball to hit the 4 and 6 pins at an angle that will knock them into the 7 and 10 pins.
    The 4-6-7-10 Split, also known as the Big Four Split, is one of the most challenging splits in bowling. It occurs when a bowler leaves four pins standing in a row on one side of the lane, with the 4-6-7-10 pins remaining. This pattern of pins is difficult to convert because the two pins on the left side of the lane (4-6) must be hit with enough force to cause the two pins on the right side (7-10) to collapse.
    • Difficulty level: Extremely challenging
    • Frequency: Rarely encountered
    • Scoring impact: Difficult to convert, usually results in a missed spare or open frame
    • Strategy: Shoot for either the 4-6 or the 7-10 and hope for pin deflection
    • Technique: Usually requires a powerful hook shot or using the opposite side wall to create pin deflection
  3. 3
    27
    votes
    This split is also known as the "Greek Church" and requires the ball to hit the 4 and 7 pins at an angle that will knock them into the 10 pin.
    The 4-7-10 Split is considered one of the most difficult splits to pick up in bowling. It occurs when the bowler leaves the 4-pin, 7-pin, and 10-pin standing with the other pins knocked down.
    • Difficulty Level: High
    • Rareness: Common
    • Required Skill: Accuracy and precision
    • Bowling Ball Angle: Important for success
    • Pin Placement: Crucial for favorable outcome
  4. 4
    22
    votes
    This split is also known as the "Lily" and requires the ball to hit the 6 and 7 pins at an angle that will knock them into the 10 pin.
    The 6-7-10 Split is one of the most challenging and rare splits in bowling. It occurs when the bowler leaves three pins standing - the 6-pin, the 7-pin, and the 10-pin - with no other pins remaining on the lane.
    • Pin Numbers: 6, 7, and 10
    • Difficulty Level: High
    • Frequency: Very Rare
    • Type of Split: Non-traditional
    • Split Conversion Probability: Very Low
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    This split is also known as the "Bucket" and requires the ball to hit the edges of the 2 and 7 pins at an angle that will knock them into the 10 pin.
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    This split is also known as the "Baby Split" and requires the ball to hit the 3 pin at an angle that will knock it into the 10 pin.
    The 3-10 Split is a challenging split in bowling where only the 3 pin and the 10 pin remain standing. It is also known as the Baby Split or the Double Wood. It is considered one of the more difficult splits to pick up due to the wide gap between the two pins.
    • Name: 3-10 Split
    • Also Known As: Baby Split, Double Wood
    • Difficulty Level: Hard
    • Pin Numbers: 3 and 10
    • Number of Pins Remaining: 2
  7. 7
    14
    votes
    This split is also known as the "Washout" and requires the ball to hit the 5 pin at an angle that will knock it into the 10 pin.
    The 5-10 Split is one of the most difficult splits to pick up in bowling. It is also known as the 'Greek Church' or 'The Church'. This split occurs when the bowler leaves two pins standing at opposite corners of the back row, specifically the 5 pin and the 10 pin.
    • Split Name: 5-10 Split
    • Alternate Names: Greek Church, The Church
    • Pins Remaining: 2 (5 pin and 10 pin)
    • Difficulty Level: Very Difficult
    • Frequency: Relatively Rare
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    This split is also known as the "Sour Apple" and requires the ball to hit the 2 and 4 pins at an angle that will knock them into the 7 and 10 pins.
    The 2-4-7-10 split is one of the most difficult splits to pick up in bowling. It occurs when the first ball thrown knocks down the headpin (1), but leaves behind the 2, 4, 7, and 10 pins in the back row. The pins are arranged in a diagonal pattern, with the 2 and 4 pins closer to the bowler and the 7 and 10 pins farther away.
    • Difficulty Level: Considered one of the most challenging splits in bowling
    • Occurrences: Relatively rare, but can happen at any time during a game
    • Strategy: Bowlers usually aim to hit the 2-4 pins on the left side, hoping to slide it into the 7 pin and take out the 10 pin by hitting it indirectly
    • Factors Influencing Success: Bowling ball speed, angle of entry, pin carry, and accuracy all play crucial roles in attempting to convert the split
    • Common Results: Often results in a spare or miss, but picking it up for a spare is a rare and impressive feat
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    This split is also known as the "Lucky Strike" and requires the ball to hit the 3 and 7 pins at an angle that will knock them into the 10 pin.
    The 3-7-10 split is considered one of the most difficult splits to pick up in bowling. It occurs when the first ball knocks down the 3 pin, but leaves the 7 and 10 pins standing in the back row.
    • Split Type: Back row split
    • Difficulty Level: Very challenging
    • Pin Numbers: 3, 7, and 10
    • Number of Pins Standing: 2
    • Knocked Down Pin: 3
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    This split is also known as the "Bedpost" and requires the ball to hit the edges of the 5 and 7 pins at an angle that will knock them into the 10 pin.
    The 5-7-10 split, also known as the 'Lily' split, is one of the most difficult splits to pick up in bowling. It occurs when the first ball knocks down the 5-pin, but leaves the 7-pin and 10-pin standing in opposite corners of the back row.
    • Bowling Pins: 5-pin, 7-pin, and 10-pin
    • Position: Opposite corners of the back row
    • Difficulty Level: Very difficult
    • Rarity: Relatively rare
    • Strategy: Usually requires a spare shot to pick up

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Ranking factors for difficult split

  1. Pin locations
    The positioning of the pins in the split can greatly affect its difficulty. The wider the gap between the pins, the more challenging it can be to knock down both pins with a single shot.
  2. Angle of approach
    Some splits may require a more precise angle of approach than others, making them harder to pick up. The bowler's skill in controlling the ball's direction and speed will be crucial in these situations.
  3. Ball type and hook potential
    The bowler's chosen ball and its hook potential can make a difference in picking up splits. Some splits may be easier to pick up with a more aggressive hook, while others may require a straighter shot.
  4. Bowler's skill and experience
    The difficulty of a split can vary significantly depending on the skill level and experience of the bowler. A highly skilled bowler may have an easier time making difficult splits than a less experienced one.
  5. Lane conditions
    The oil pattern on the lane can influence the difficulty of a split. Some splits may be more challenging to pick up if the oil pattern forces the ball to react in a way that makes it difficult to hit the pins at the necessary angle.
  6. Previous shots
    The difficulty of a split may also be affected by the bowler's previous shots in the game, as their confidence and understanding of the lane conditions may change based on their performance. A string of bad shots may make a difficult split even more challenging.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult split to pick up in bowling. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or split is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2019 views
  • 198 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each split once every 24 hours. The rank of each split is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult split to pick up in bowling

Bowling is a sport that has been enjoyed for centuries, with roots dating back to ancient Egypt. One of the key skills in bowling is the ability to pick up splits, which are situations where multiple pins are left standing with a gap between them. While there are many different types of splits, some are notoriously difficult to pick up. These include the 7-10 split (also known as the "bedposts"), the 4-6-7-10 split (known as the "big four"), and the 5-7-10 split (known as the "Greek church"). Successfully picking up these splits requires a combination of skill, accuracy, and a bit of luck. Even experienced bowlers may find themselves struggling with these challenging splits.

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