Why Is 3 Strikes in a Row Called a Turkey in Bowling?

By Sarah Miller · January 10, 2054

In bowling, the term turkey refers to three consecutive strikes in a single game. This nickname originated in the late 18th or early 19th century when bowling alleys would award actual turkeys as prizes during holiday tournaments for players who achieved three straight strikes. Over time, the term stuck and became a beloved part of bowling slang.

What Does "Turkey" Mean in Bowling?

The word "turkey" in bowling is a traditional slang term for achieving three strikes in a row. It's one of the most recognized terms in bowling culture and is often celebrated by amateur and professional bowlers alike.

Why Three Strikes Equals a Turkey

The tradition dates back over a century, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, when bowling alleys hosted special events. To boost participation, proprietors offered food prizes—often hams or turkeys—to players who managed three consecutive strikes. Since turkeys were common holiday prizes, the achievement became informally known as a "turkey."

Three strikes in a row = a turkey
No longer requires winning an actual turkey
Term has endured despite changes in prize culture
Now symbolizes a small but notable milestone

History and Evolution of Bowling Slang

Bowling has developed a rich vocabulary over the years, with "turkey" being just one example. As the sport grew in popularity through the 20th century, especially post-World War II, so did its jargon.

Common Bowling Achievement Terms

Spare: Knocking down all pins in two rolls of a frame
Strike: All ten pins down on the first roll
Double: Two consecutive strikes
Turkey: Three consecutive strikes
Four-bagger: Four strikes in a row
Perfect Game: 12 strikes in a row (300 score)

Modern Usage of "Turkey" in Bowling

Today, "turkey" is used both casually and officially in leagues, tournaments, and broadcasts. While no real turkeys are handed out, the term adds fun and tradition to the game.

Many recreational bowlers aim for a turkey as a personal goal during a game. In competitive settings, commentators often highlight when a player is "going for a turkey" or has completed one.

Why the Term Still Matters

Preserves historical connection to the sport’s roots
Adds excitement and camaraderie among players
Used in digital scoreboards and sports commentary
Helps engage new bowlers with accessible milestones

Term	Definition	Pin Count (Max)	Frequency in League Play (Avg. per Game)
Single Strike	One strike in a frame	10	4.2
Double	Two consecutive strikes	20+	1.8
Turkey	Three consecutive strikes	30+	0.9
Four-Bagger	Four consecutive strikes	40+	0.4
Perfect Game (300)	Twelve consecutive strikes	300	0.001

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while single strikes are common, achieving a turkey occurs in roughly every other league game on average. The drop-off in frequency after three strikes highlights how momentum shifts in bowling. A turkey represents a meaningful performance leap from average play.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkeys in Bowling

Why is three strikes called a turkey in bowling?

The term comes from 18th–19th century holiday promotions where bowling alleys gave away turkeys as prizes to players who rolled three consecutive strikes. The name remained even after physical prizes were discontinued.

Can you get more than one turkey in a game?

Yes, a player can achieve multiple turkeys in a single game. For example, six consecutive strikes equals two turkeys. Some games feature back-to-back turkeys, especially at higher skill levels.

Is "turkey" an official term in professional bowling?

While not a formal scoring term, "turkey" is widely recognized and used by the USBC (United States Bowling Congress), commentators, and players. It appears in broadcasts and social media coverage of PBA events.

What do you call four or more strikes in a row?

Four strikes in a row is commonly called a "four-bagger" or "double turkey." Five in a row may be called a "triple turkey" or "five-bagger." There’s no universally agreed-upon name beyond that, though fans sometimes use playful terms like "wild goose chase" for long streaks.

Do bowlers still celebrate turkeys today?

Absolutely. Many leagues and pro shops mark a turkey with applause, social media posts, or even small rituals like high-fives or chants. Some bowling centers offer commemorative stickers or tokens for achieving a turkey in league play.