You normally get a good look at the lanes if you can walk at their side for a look - maybe there is a maintenance walk at the first or last lane to get the staff into the machines. From there, you can get a different angle of view onto the oil pattern, and with some training you can see where oil ends, buffed areas, etc.
In most cases, you can also see at the foul line if the outside boards are dry or buffed, relative to the middel of the lane, what will hint at a THS situation.
Additionally, the number and size of the oil tracks on your ball can tell you with some training something about oil volume and length, as well as observing other player - little children are very good lane scouts, because they play light house balls with low speed. If their ball stays on the lane, you can tell very well wher the oil ends, when their slow, skidding ball turns to roll
The only time when I enjoy chldren's birthday parties around...
And, if there is no lane graph hung out, simply ask the staff at the counter or the laneman. I found that they will gladly help you, esp. the lane crew.
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
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Edited on 2/27/2008 7:27 AM
