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Author Topic: How to play the U.S Open Pattern  (Read 12958 times)

Cornfed82

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How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« on: October 28, 2013, 12:13:16 PM »
Hey guys,

I have a tournament coming up and found out that the pattern is the U.S Open pattern. I have never bowled on it before.. but from I have seen it a really flat pattern all the across. I just wanna get some ideas on how to play it and if i need to change any equipment before hand.. My current stats are 300-325 RPM.. 15-15.5 mph ball speed... med-high track.. Current arsenal listed below.

Virtual Gravity... 2000
Hot Sauce Solid ... 2000
CrossRoad... Box 2000 Polished
Clutch Pearl .... 1000 Polished
Hot Sauce Pearl .... 4000 polished

Any ideas or suggestions would be great...

Thanks

 

Gizmo823

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2013, 12:43:53 PM »
Despite what some people may say, you can really play it anywhere you want to, it's just all about making good shots . . very good shots.  Typically people will play inside, but it's so tight that it's difficult to get the ball down the lane, but get a decent move on the backend.  Inside where?  That depends on a lot of things, the lane machine, the lanes themselves, and a few more of your specs such as axis tilt and angle of rotation.  The one thing I can tell you is that as the lanes transition, you will want to go deeper.  Trying to play right through the transition is worse than playing the shot to begin with.  I'm going to say you'll have the best look with your Crossroad, maybe the Hot Sauce Pearl.  Solids don't offer that great of a look on that pattern, you want to clear the front part of the lane as easily as possible and get a good move on the backend.  Might try to burn up the 8-11 board before scoring starts, but then again that goes back to the lane machine and the lanes.  I've played 15-6, but I've also played 17-12 on the fresh, just depends a lot on the house and lane machine. 
What would you be if you were attached to another object by an inclined plane, wrapped helically around an axis?

rymacatthedisco

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2013, 12:55:30 PM »
Saying that solids dont offer that great of a look on the US Open pattern is certainly only an opinion. I have had pretty decent success throwing solids to start and control the middle/back end part of the lane...but as GIZMO said, there are so many factors that can play into how the lanes will need to be played.

NHLfan88

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2013, 01:56:15 PM »
what do you average now on a house shot?

Just make your spares and grind it out.  180 is a good game.
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Gizmo823

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2013, 02:02:39 PM »
Good points, and I think that has something to do with the lane machine and lanes too.  I personally have had more success with pearls, the midlane read of solids tends to either want to move too early on me or not quite get up the hill on the back, but I'd say I'm a tad on the rev heavy side so that could be it.  Solids tend to make the shot transition faster too, and I'm not a big fan of that.  So yes, that part is definitely just an opinion, but we both agree that going into it with an unflexible game plan is not a good idea.  Maybe have an idea where to start from, but definitely be ready to move and adjust your strategy quick if it's not happening.  That shot is definitely not one to try and make something work on. 

Saying that solids dont offer that great of a look on the US Open pattern is certainly only an opinion. I have had pretty decent success throwing solids to start and control the middle/back end part of the lane...but as GIZMO said, there are so many factors that can play into how the lanes will need to be played.
What would you be if you were attached to another object by an inclined plane, wrapped helically around an axis?

Cornfed82

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2013, 02:55:06 PM »
Thanks alot guys for the insight and info about playing this pattern...

NFLFAN.. right now THS ave is at 217... and yes i have heard that 180-190 is pretty good game for guys that have bowled on it before

shrapnel

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2013, 02:58:11 PM »
What I have found is that you don't want balls/drillings that go sideways on the backend, too unpredictable.  Balls that have a "strong but consistent" backend that will clear the front well, should keep you in play.  I have bowled the open several times and used both solids and pearls.  Much depends on the surface, the volume used, and the length (older US Open was shorter than current).  I found early on to keep your angles pretty tight but don't be afraid to make the bigger move left.  Also if it is a longer block get used to/comfortable with lofting the gutter as you might be forced that deep even with your rev rate.  And again 180 is a good score, make your spares! 

Jeff S.

rymacatthedisco

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2013, 05:46:49 PM »
I also don't agree with the 180-190 being a good score. Sorry, just my opinion again. Sure it's tough and scores aren't going to be huge, but if you want to win the tournament, then 180-190 isn't going to cut it, unless it is a bunch of local house rats that have never seen a sport shot before. If you have bowled on sport shots before, then you can certainly use what you have learned from them to help you on the US Open. (again, yes it's tough, but telling yourself 180-190 is good only works when you have 65 in the 5th after 3 splits...You can't go into a tournament mentally saying if i just shoot 190 every game I will be ok...at least in my area you can't)

tommyboy74

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2013, 06:08:26 PM »
What I have found is that you don't want balls/drillings that go sideways on the backend, too unpredictable.  Balls that have a "strong but consistent" backend that will clear the front well, should keep you in play.  I have bowled on the open pattern several times and used both solids and hybrids.  Much of it depends on the surface, the volume used, and the length (older US Open was shorter than current).  I found early on to keep your angles pretty tight but don't be afraid to make the bigger move left.  Also if it is a longer block get used to/comfortable with lofting the gutter as you might be forced that deep even with your rev rate.  And again 180 is a good score, make your spares! 

Jeff S.

Shrapnel makes a good point with drillings here.  When I've played on the pattern before, using something that is very angular is going to get you into trouble.  Generally I prefer to use solids that are drilled to read the mids earlier and roll heavy in back on the fresh.  This way, I can get a good, consistent read that will be predictable.  I've had success with balls such as the Outlaw and the 505T.  As the pattern starts to break down, that is when I will move to my hybrids, such as the Nomad Dagger and Frantic.  Pearls can and will work, but just stay away from anything that is really skid/flip.

The other thing that I can't emphasize enough is spares.  That, along with staying patient are keys to help you be successful on this pattern.  If you make your spares and stay patient, the strikes will come. 
« Last Edit: October 28, 2013, 06:10:55 PM by tommyboy74 »
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Gizmo823

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #9 on: October 29, 2013, 07:50:19 AM »
I'd agree here too.  As long as you can keep your LOW games at 180-190, then you'll be in business, but there's no reason you can't go higher.  I've had the Open shot down for a PBA league several times before, and I've been in the 700's more often than not.  Again, it depends on how "good" the lane machine is.  I can't find the lane graph, but if it calls for reverse oil, and the lane machine isn't capable of putting it down, scoring pace will most likely be higher.  Play for spares and get the strikes when you can get them. 

I also don't agree with the 180-190 being a good score. Sorry, just my opinion again. Sure it's tough and scores aren't going to be huge, but if you want to win the tournament, then 180-190 isn't going to cut it, unless it is a bunch of local house rats that have never seen a sport shot before. If you have bowled on sport shots before, then you can certainly use what you have learned from them to help you on the US Open. (again, yes it's tough, but telling yourself 180-190 is good only works when you have 65 in the 5th after 3 splits...You can't go into a tournament mentally saying if i just shoot 190 every game I will be ok...at least in my area you can't)
What would you be if you were attached to another object by an inclined plane, wrapped helically around an axis?

dmonroe814

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #10 on: October 29, 2013, 12:51:30 PM »
Just make sure it is the US Open pattern and not the USBC Open Championships pattern.  I have heard many people using the terms interchangeable.  US open is 1:1 and the USBC Open is 2.5:1.
Big difference.
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Gizmo823

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #11 on: October 29, 2013, 01:05:45 PM »
Yes, very important point.  US Open and USBC Open are only two letters away from a night and day difference. 

Just make sure it is the US Open pattern and not the USBC Open Championships pattern.  I have heard many people using the terms interchangeable.  US open is 1:1 and the USBC Open is 2.5:1.
Big difference.
What would you be if you were attached to another object by an inclined plane, wrapped helically around an axis?

shrapnel

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #12 on: October 29, 2013, 02:08:16 PM »
My comment about 180-190 being a good score is pretty valid.  The cut for the majority of the recent US Opens (2005 to present) is around 192-194.  Yes you can score but as we have all discussed depends on the machine, volume, break-down, # of games for the tournament etc.  The main thing is keep yourself out of trouble and make ALL spares. 

Jeff S.

Gizmo823

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #13 on: October 29, 2013, 03:24:43 PM »
Well, I still wouldn't call it a good score, the point was that if you want to win, 180-190 isn't going to cut it.  That being said, 180-190 is a safe score.  Those numbers will keep your head above water and you in the hunt.  I DEFINITELY agree about keeping yourself out of trouble and making spares. 

My comment about 180-190 being a good score is pretty valid.  The cut for the majority of the recent US Opens (2005 to present) is around 192-194.  Yes you can score but as we have all discussed depends on the machine, volume, break-down, # of games for the tournament etc.  The main thing is keep yourself out of trouble and make ALL spares. 

Jeff S.
What would you be if you were attached to another object by an inclined plane, wrapped helically around an axis?

avabob

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Re: How to play the U.S Open Pattern
« Reply #14 on: October 30, 2013, 05:44:17 PM »
Key to any flatter pattern is to limit the amount of out angle in your release.  That is why lower axis rotation releases work better.  What kills house shot bowlers the most is that their comfort zone typically has them sending the ball wide out to a break point well outside 2nd arrow.  Result is lots of 2-10 combinations and washouts.  Then when they try to square up they are through the beak or Brooklyn.  They end up going away talking about a reverse block when in actuality they are simply trying to cover way too many boards of out angle.

Watch the pros anymore, and even the super high rev guys have much less axis rotation than we saw a few years ago.  Exception is probably Weber, and even for all his ability, Pete sometimes gets shut out because of his release.