Listen to the On The Gutter Podcast:
Making Pot Games More Challenging and Finding the Small Wins
In this episode, Jamo shares his unique approach to raising the stakes in pot games by customizing bowling patterns. By modifying the Route 66 pattern to be flatter and adding a “speed bump,” Jamo successfully increased the competitive nature of the games, lowering the average of pot games by 15-20 pins. DJ emphasized the importance of finding small wins in your bowling, for example he was 11/11 in single pins in league with only 605. Despite scoring below expectations, he found the positives in his excellent spare shooting.
USBC Open Championship Changes 2026
Division Changes
In this episode of the podcast, the hosts discuss the recent changes to the average base divisions at the USBC Nationals. The adjustments involve shifting the average requirements up by five pins for each division. The classified division now includes bowlers with averages of 160 and below, which equates to 185 and below on a typical league condition. The standard division is set for averages between 161 to 181, corresponding to 186 to 210 on a typical league condition. Lastly, the regular division, which is the largest category, encompasses averages of 182 and above, equivalent to 211 and above on a typical league condition. The hosts express skepticism about the impact of these changes, noting that while the adjustments move in the right direction, they may not significantly address the underlying issues of bowlers competing against professionals. They suggest that the shift may affect only a small percentage of participants and question whether the changes are substantial enough to make a meaningful difference.
Entry and Prize Fund Increase
DJ and Jamo discuss the increase in cost for the Open Championship in 2026, where the extra entry fee is expected to go right back into the prize fund. This will allow higher payouts on average for all cashing spots. The overall entry cost will be $265 per bowler.
Changes to Rule 21 (Professional Status)
Modifications to Rule 21, redefining professional bowler designations, encouraging collegiate bowlers to compete together, and exempting bowlers aged 60 and older from certain designations.
USBC addresses all the changes in this post. It is also covered in the podcast.
Recent tournament winners highlighted:
- Chelsey Klingler: Winner of the 2024 MDUSBC Queens.
- Terrance Bell, Nick Cooper, and Evan Brilinski: Celebrated for their victory in the Trios Baker Challenge at Universal Lanes.
- Jared Thompson and AJ Rice: Recognized for winning the DV8 Bowling Nightmare Doubles, showcasing skills in competitions against top-tier players.
- Gillian Lim: Mentioned for clinching the Malaysian Women’s Open Championship.
- Zachary Tackett: Winner of the PBA Lafayette Lanes Fayetteville Open.
- Brandon Kring: Winner of the PBA Battle at Black Oak.
- EJ Tackett and Marshall Kent: Highlighted for competing in the title match at the Foxx View Lanes Open, with EJ Tackett winning.
- Casey Cohagen: Winner of the PBA Jax 60 Central Open.
- Robby Porter: Winner of the PBA50 Battle at Black Oak.
- Ryan Shafer: Winner of the PBA50 Ripic’s Carousel Lanes BowlTV RPI Open.
- Clint Dacey: Winner of the PBA50 Hot Springs Village SW Open.
- Eddie Ross and Rob Smith: Winners of the Three Way Dance at Westbrook Lanes.
- Andre Gonzales and Denisyha Waller: Winners of the Metro Detroit USBC Mixed Baker Doubles.
- Mike Calvin and Brandon Leavitt: Winners of the Westland Bowl Over Under Doubles Tournament.
- Yannick Roos: Winner of the 2024 HowToBowl CB Masters.