We will now work through calculating the running score for the example above.

In frame 1, John bowled a 9 open. So, his running score is: 9(open) + 0(because it is the first frame)=9.

In frame 2, John bowled a 8 spare. So, his running score is: 9(previous frame) + 10(spare) + 10(strike on next throw)=29.

In frame 3, John bowled a strike. So, his running score is: 29(previous frame) + 10(strike) + 10(strike on 1st next throw) + 6(2nd next throw)=55.

In frame 4, John bowled a strike. So, his running score is: 55(previous frame) + 10(strike) + 6(1st next throw) + 3(2nd next throw)=74.

In frame 5, John bowled a 9 open, with a 6(3) split. So, his running score is: 74(previous frame) + 9(open)=83.

In frame 6, John bowled a 6 open, with a 4(2). So, his running score is: 83(previous frame) + 6(open)=89.

In frame 7, John bowled a strike. So, his running score is: 89(previous frame) + 10(strike) + 7(1st next throw) + 3(2nd next throw)=109.

In frame 8, John bowled a 7 spare. So, his running score is: 109(previous frame) + 10(spare) + 5(next throw)=124.

In frame 9, John bowled a 9 open, with a 5(4). So, his running score is: 124(previous frame) + 9(open)=133.

In frame 10, John bowled a turkey,3 strikes in a row. In the 10th, the frame is just worth the total number of pins knocked down in that frame. So, his running score is: 133(previous frame) + 30(3 strikes with each strike knocking down 10 pins)=163.

Now, you have all the tools necessary to calculate your own score. Next time you go bowling give it a try!