Bowling has its own unique language, especially when it comes to strike streaks. From casual leagues to televised tournaments, you’ll hear all kinds of terms for consecutive strikes. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the most common bowling strike names and what they mean.

1 Strike – Strike

A single strike is just called… a strike. It’s the goal of every frame.

2 Strikes in a Row – Double

Two consecutive strikes are referred to as a double. It’s often the setup for a strong scoring run.

3 Strikes in a Row – Turkey

Three strikes in a row is called a turkey. The term dates back to the early 20th century when bowlers would win a turkey as a prize during Thanksgiving tournaments. Some people might also call this a triple, but “turkey” is far more common.

4 Strikes in a Row – Hambone

Four consecutive strikes are known as a hambone, a term made popular by sports commentator Rob Stone. While not everyone uses this term, it has caught on in many circles. Others simply refer to it as a four-bagger.

5 Strikes in a Row – Five-Bagger or Yahtzee

At five in a row, bowlers often switch to using the “bagger” format. Five-bagger is most common, but some bowlers jokingly call it a Yahtzee, referencing the game’s five-of-a-kind win condition.

6 Strikes in a Row – Six Pack

Six consecutive strikes is often called a six pack, and sometimes a six-bagger. Both are common, with “six pack” being more conversational.

7 Strikes in a Row – Seven-Bagger

At this point, most terms follow the bagger format. A seven-bagger means seven strikes in a row.

8 Strikes in a Row – Eight-Bagger

Eight consecutive strikes is referred to as an eight-bagger.

9 Strikes in a Row – Nine-Bagger or Golden Turkey

Nine in a row is typically called a nine-bagger, though some bowlers refer to it as a golden turkey to mark the extended string.

10 Strikes in a Row – Ten-Bagger or Dime Bag

A ten-bagger is the standard term. Some may also call it a dime bag, though that’s less commonly used and more informal.

11 Strikes in a Row – Eleven in a Row

At this point, names are usually dropped in favor of raw count. Most will just say eleven in a row.

12 Strikes in a Row – Perfect Game or Thanksgiving Turkey

Twelve strikes in a row equals a perfect game, also known in some circles as a Thanksgiving turkey. It’s the ultimate goal for many bowlers.

Other Common Phrases

• Front X: Describes consecutive strikes starting from the first frame. Example: Front nine means strikes in frames 1 through 9.
• Back X: Describes strikes in later frames, such as Back six for strikes in frames 7 through 12.
• Off the Sheet: Refers to finishing a game with strikes from a certain point onward—usually a clean ending from the 7th frame or later.

Summary Table of Bowling Strike Names