Each team bowls one full traditional game per partner, then 2 Baker team games. Add those 4 scores; the higher total wins and advances. Pins reset for every match. Qualifying determines seeding only. Highest seeds receive opening byes when needed.
Partners alternate frames in each Baker game and switch odd/even frame roles between Baker games. The bowler assigned frame 10 completes any fill balls.
Qualifying ties affecting the cut or a seed use one Baker roll-off, repeated among teams still tied. Tied matches use one Baker roll-off, repeated until a winner. Partners switch odd/even roles after each roll-off. Roll-off scores break ties only and are not added to totals.
The published match-play start begins 10 minutes of warmup. Allow 60 minutes per championship round, 15 minutes between rounds for score verification and pair changeover, and 20 minutes for awards. These changeovers do not include a full re-oil. The final uses the same 4-score format. Staff confirm each round’s start after the prior round is verified.
This timetable assumes one matchup per lane pair, with four bowlers on that pair, and all matches in each round running concurrently. Fewer available pairs require a longer schedule.
Estimated 4-round timetable. Based on a planning field of 52 teams and a cut to 13. Actual team entries, byes, ties, and playing pace can change the finishing time.
View the Doubles Challenge format →