Ten-pin bowling may be won when one player is ahead by more frames than remain of the possible 12 frames. This variant reduces match length and scoring complexity for two-player matches. The maximum score in a game of ten-pin is 300, scored by making 12 strikes in a row. Before 1908, no one ever received an award for a game greater than 298. ABC used to award medals (gold, silver and bronze) for the three highest individual games rolled in the nation. The number of perfect games bowled during a season first became a problem for American Bowling Congress (ABC) officials in
Ten-pin bowling off center without falling. The pins must show the name and mark of the maker, either "USBC Approved" or "BTBA Approved" and appear uniform. The maximum diameter of the ball is and the circumference of the ball must not be more than , and the ball cannot weigh more than 16 pounds (7.26 kg). Generally, the lightest ball available for use is 6 pounds (2.72 kg). The ball must have a smooth surface over its entire circumference except for holes or indentations used for gripping the ball, holes or indentations made to bring the ball back into compliance with weight-distribution