Good afternoon everyone, been a long time since I posted on here but I need some input.

Looking to start a strike jackpot in the league I bowl in Thursday nights. I want it to cater to every average in the league. Roughly 1/3 of the league was 215 or higher last year. So I was going to use that as my high end. Roughly 1/3 of the league was 195-214. The rest fall in the 194 and below category.

I bowled this league years ago, and it was a universal pot----everyone had the same strikes they have to get. It was 5 strikes a game in particular frames which I felt was pretty attainable for the higher end bowlers but it was tough to get lower average bowlers into it because they felt like it was unfair (I cant blame them). I'd like to break it out into average divisions.

Based on the ranges I provided, what do you think would be a fair breakdown for strikes? My thought was to up the higher average to 16 or 17 strikes throughout the night, including striking out in the 10th of game 3. The mid range get 14. And the low end has to get 12 (4 per game, including a double in the 10th the last game).

I appreciate and encourage all feedback.

Hey C.G.!

You already mentioned striking out in the 10th of the third game vs a double for the lower average tier. You might also consider the number of doubles required throughout the three games for each average tier.

I do have a question. How are you planning to handle average fluctuations throughout the season? What happens when a bowler's average goes up or down moving to a different tier? I can already hear the complaints if a bowler was in a higher tier most of the season then falls to a lower tier and wins the jackpot needing fewer strikes. And by the same token, a bowler who has paid into the jackpot for a number of weeks and has an average drop to a lower tier will not be happy if forced to keep using the higher tier template.  Just some things to think about.

To me if everyone is in the same pot you need to have the same goal otherwise you need to make 3 separate pots.

I'm not sure what would be the best way to do it though

This. Run two separate pots for over and under 200/210/whatever. Anything else is asking for trouble.

We have had success with running a strike pot and their strikes are dependent on what their average is.  170 and below, 171-209, 210 and up.  Lower group rolls has to roll 6 strikes and one of those have to be a double.  Next group, rolls 10 strikes with 2 doubles. and Next group rolls 14 strikes with 3 doubles.  Seems to be good IMO.  If you need more explanation let me know.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. As a couple have mentioned, I've seen the tier system work. In case we as a whole havent noticed, people in the bowling alley complain....its what they do best. I'm always willing to deal with that.

@Keith Frye I was going to use entering average for the 1st 5 to 7 weeks. After that, use current average. Since its that Thursday night league at North, people shouldnt be bagging to win the strike jackpot. I'm probably going to do a test run this week with a bunch of people who I know are interested and see where it lands.

@Rocket2Pocket300 I did see that and considered using it as a guide. I like the idea of having varying amounts of doubles for each average group that's been mentioned.

The last item I might add to it.......Instead of different strikes in different frames, I might require 17 strikes for the highest average division, 15 for the middle and 13 for the bottom. But instead of removing required strikes from the sheet, the lower average bowlers can pick before the night which strikes that they want to skip. (They cant use their "Free" strikes for anywhere that there are doubles on the sheet). Gives them a feel of control.

Again, I appreciate the feedback. Thanks everyone.