Let’s face it. There are a limited number of shots that need to be made in 5 Pin Bowling. Pin picking practise is vital and yet often boring. This is a way of making it more interesting. The goal in "Bluff Poker" is to take as much of your opponent’s money as possible while learning about your game. This drill is for two bowlers on one lane.

Flip a coin to see who gets to start the bid. (Ante in at $1, no charge for raising)

The winner of the flip states the challenge, "I can pick 5 left corners in a row cleanly leaving the other 4 pins.

The second bowler may raise by saying, "I can pick 6 in a row" or may call the bluff, forcing the first bowler to prove that the bid was not an idle boast.

Raising may go back and forth until one bowler has called the other and forces a demonstration of skill.

If the bowler, who has had the bid called, succeeds in backing up the bid by bowling the required amount of shots, then that bowler wins the dollar. If the bowler is unsuccessful then the other player wins the dollar.

Whoever wins the dollar begins the bid for the next round.

Once bidding begins only the number of shots in a row can be raised. The shot itself cannot be changed until the next trial. If a bowler begins the bidding at three left corners picked clean in a row the only options for the other bowler are to call or to raise by claiming to be able to pick four left corners cleanly.

When bowlers play Bluff Poker for the first time most of the bids are done for strikes in a row. However it doesn’t take long for them to realize that there are higher percentage shots and begin to change their bids accordingly.

This drill heightens awareness as bowlers discover which shots are their best. Bowlers will be attempting to find a flaw in their opponent’s game which will allow them to exploit a particular weakness. With this discovering happening in a competitive situation, the drill also acts as an excellent performance simulation.

The ante may be adjusted to the financial constraints of the bowlers involved. When working with YBC bowlers a dime and quarter may be sufficient to get the bowlers to care about the outcome.

You can play the game by increasing the stake each time a bowler raises the bid, just as you do in a real poker game.

No ante play is also possible. Some people may have ethical questions regarding this drill as they may consider it gambling instead of a test of skill. If this is the case, have the players earn points instead of dollars with the first player to win 10 points to be considered the champion of the game.

* This game is copyright by Ken Gryschuk.  You may download the game for your own private use.  You may not publish this game in any medium.  All rights are held by Ken Gryschuk.