In bowling, a spare is achieved when a bowler knocks down all ten pins in just two throws, which make up one of ten frames in a game. A spare is awarded when no pins are left standing after the second ball of a frame, and a player achieving a spare is awarded ten points, plus a bonus of whatever is scored with the next ball). The symbol for a spare for most bowling sports is a forward slash mark (/), while the unique vertically-oriented scoring system for candlepin bowling is somewhat different). If a bowler bowls a spare in the tenth and final frame, they are awarded one bonus ball to earn extra points, which is referred to as a “fill ball” . The maximum number of points a bowler can earn is 300, achieved by bowling strikes in every single frame, which is referred to as a “perfect game” .

Here are some spare terms and lingo related to bowling:

• Blow: failing to score a spare (other than a split) by leaving pins remaining after the second ball is thrown.
• Tap: when the ball seems to hit the pins perfectly for a strike, but one pin is left upright for the possibility of a spare.

In summary, a spare in bowling is when a bowler knocks down all ten pins in just two throws, and it is awarded ten points, plus a bonus of whatever is scored with the next ball).