I don't see the problem with no-tap bowling, though I don't care for doing it myself. It's a game within the game, and the people that bowl it are well aware that it isn't a real score. I know we want bowling to be more competitive, but there ARE people who bowl just for the fun of it. They aren't lying to themselves about how good they are, they just don't particularly care how good they are. If it gets some people bowling that otherwise wouldn't (and it does, because it's the type of short league that bowlers bring their non-bowling wives and girlfriends to), then it's a good thing.

IF YOU WANT TO BOWL NO TAP, THEN GO RIGHT AHEAD!

Yes, no tap bowling has been around for ages. Heck, it was even around back when I was coming into the sport. Thing is, I didn't get it back then either.

 Why would ANYONE want to go "real" bowling, but keep "fake" scores? Even back when my average was in the 140's and 150's I didn't like no tap bowling. It always felt wrong to act like I was accomplishing something that I wasn't.

 See, I would rather go bowling and shoot a 150 game and have it be my actual score, than I would to go "no tap" bowling and shoot a "fake" 200 and know I didn't deserve it.

 You want to bowl for fun? Fine, then bowl for fun, just take your actual scores and have all the fun in the world. You want to get better scores, then get up off your duff and learn how to actually get those scores, don't fake it with no tap scores.

 If you want to bowl no tap, I suppose that's fine if that's what you want, but I just don't understand how that is what ANYBODY could want.

 

IF YOU WANT TO BOWL NO TAP, THEN GO RIGHT AHEAD!
Yes, no tap bowling has been around for ages. Heck, it was even around back when I was coming into the sport. Thing is, I didn't get it back then either.

 Why would ANYONE want to go "real" bowling, but keep "fake" scores? Even back when my average was in the 140's and 150's I didn't like no tap bowling. It always felt wrong to act like I was accomplishing something that I wasn't.

 See, I would rather go bowling and shoot a 150 game and have it be my actual score, than I would to go "no tap" bowling and shoot a "fake" 200 and know I didn't deserve it.

 You want to bowl for fun? Fine, then bowl for fun, just take your actual scores and have all the fun in the world. You want to get better scores, then get up off your duff and learn how to actually get those scores, don't fake it with no tap scores.

 If you want to bowl no tap, I suppose that's fine if that's what you want, but I just don't understand how that is what ANYBODY could want.

 

I don't understand why anyone would eat celery either, but it doesn't bother me if they do. Bowling is about entertainment and anything that lets people enjoy themselves while bowling is good for the sport.

My main house annually runs a 6-game No-Tap tournament during the Christmas break. You switch 2 pair after every game to mix things up a bit.
 
It's not as easy as it sounds. Between the number of games and constantly switching pairs (that do play different), strikes and 9-counts are not guaranteed. After the first couple of games, it's a mental grind to stay sharp and not make mental mistakes. You can get away with a few bad shots over the night, but other than that there is little room for error. It generally takes a 270+ average to cash.
 
It's fun and it's challenging. Give the format a shot if you ever get the opportunity.

OK, OK, you've made your points.

(But I still don't get it)

 If you're  bowling for scores, they should be actual scores. If you're bowling for fun, scores shouldn't matter, except to see who buys the next round.

 I just philosophically can't even begin to understand the premise that no tap bowling is founded on. As crazy as it may sound to some of you, the entire concept of why anybody would ever WANT to bowl no tap eludes me. Just as foreign a concept as if you were speaking ancient phonecian to me. I wouldn't understand that either.

 Have fun. If no tap turns you on, then go get you some, but it is NOT for me.

 

Quote from: Juggernaut on May 05, 2016, 09:31:23 AM

If you're  bowling for scores, they should be actual scores. If you're bowling for fun, scores shouldn't matter, except to see who buys the next round.

 I just philosophically can't even begin to understand the premise that no tap bowling is founded on.

In a way it isn't any different than bowling on THS.  Some feel the scores bowled on THS aren't actual scores. 

There isn't one way to bowl and all ways have their merit.  There are games on different conditions.  There are different formats.  Different scoring methods.  Just bowl what you want.

The important item in all of this........JUST BOWL!! The fact is that bowling has lost a lot of interest over the years. If no-tap peaks peoples interest, awesome! If sport shots, 2-handed, back-handed, whatever it is increases peoples interest and participation, that is all that matters!

OK, OK, you've made your points.

(But I still don't get it)

 If you're  bowling for scores, they should be actual scores. If you're bowling for fun, scores shouldn't matter, except to see who buys the next round.

 I just philosophically can't even begin to understand the premise that no tap bowling is founded on. As crazy as it may sound to some of you, the entire concept of why anybody would ever WANT to bowl no tap eludes me. Just as foreign a concept as if you were speaking ancient phonecian to me. I wouldn't understand that either.

 Have fun. If no tap turns you on, then go get you some, but it is NOT for me.

 
I'm a scratch league bowler and PBA Regional player. I avoid regular handicap formats like the plague, BUT....
 
Scratch no-tap, assuming a longer format moving each game across pairs, is flat out challenging. Having to hit the pocket solid almost every frame for 6-8 games is an accomplishment. To be successful, you really have to be mentally sharp. Much more so than in a stale everyday handicap environment.
 
Also unlike traditional handicap, skill usually rises to the top in longer format no-tap. Most sub-200 average bowlers don't have the consistency needed to hang with higher skilled players.
 
I'm not saying that I seek no-tap out, but I recognize the competitive benefits the format can provide. Too many write no-tap off without really considering what it can offer.