Many bowlers today are familiar with the “Rule of 31.” By taking the pattern length in feet and subtracting 31, you get a general starting point guideline for which board your ball should be on when it exits the oil pattern. But what about optimal breakpoint distance? This also tends to vary with oil pattern length.
While most bowlers are able to move their eyes from board to board when they target, they must also be capable of adjusting their breakpoint distances:
- For shorter oil, you not only generally want your breakpoint to be closer to the gutter, but you also want it a little closer to the foul line.
- For longer oil, you generally want your breakpoint farther inside, but also closer to the pins.