In the world of professional sports, few images represent frustration and futility as perfectly as two lonely white pillars standing at opposite corners of a sixty-foot lane. Known colloquially among bowlers as "bedposts," "goal posts," or "snake eyes," the 7-10 split is the ultimate challenge in ten-pin bowling. It is a scenario where the first delivery of a frame leaves only the two rear-most pins—the 7-pin on the far left and the 10-pin on the far right—remaining.

While casual observers may see it as just another difficult spare, to the seasoned bowler, it is a mathematical anomaly that defies standard execution. It is a moment where physics, equipment engineering, and luck must converge in a millisecond of chaotic energy to achieve what statistics say is nearly impossible.

Defining the Geometry of the Bedposts

To understand why the 7-10 split is so feared, one must first look at the layout of the pin deck. In a standard ten-pin setup, the pins are arranged in an equilateral triangle. The 7-pin and the 10-pin occupy the extreme corners of the back row.

The distance between the centers of the 7 and 10 pins is approximately 36 inches (3 feet). However, a regulation bowling ball has a diameter of only 8.5 inches. This creates a fundamental physical barrier: it is geometrically impossible for a single bowling ball to strike both pins simultaneously. No matter how much hook a player applies or how much speed they generate, the ball cannot be in two places at once, nor is it wide enough to bridge the gap.

Therefore, converting a 7-10 split is not about the ball hitting the pins; it is about the ball hitting one pin and forcing that pin to travel across the entire width of the lane to knock down the other. This requires a "ricochet" or a "kickback" action that is incredibly difficult to control.

The Physics of the Ricochet

A successful conversion of the 7-10 split usually involves targeting one of the two pins—most right-handed bowlers target the 10-pin—and striking it with a specific angle and velocity. The goal is to send the struck pin into the "pit" (the area behind the pin deck) or against the "kickback" (the side walls of the pin deck) with enough force that it bounces back onto the lane.

The Role of the Kickback Plate

The sideboards, or kickbacks, are the primary drivers of a 7-10 conversion. In professional bowling centers, these walls are often reinforced. When a pin hits the kickback at a high speed, the wood or high-density plastic acts like a trampoline, reflecting the pin’s energy. If the pin strikes the kickback at a flat enough angle, it may fly horizontally across the lane.

However, several variables work against the bowler:

  1. Velocity Loss: A significant amount of energy is lost the moment the pin strikes the sideboard.
  2. Angle of Incidence: If the pin hits the wall too high, it flies into the rafters. If it hits too low, it stays in the pit.
  3. Modern Machinery: Many modern pinsetting machines are equipped with "curtains" or protective padding designed to dampen pin action for safety and noise reduction. Ironically, these safety features make the 7-10 split significantly harder to convert than it was in the mid-20th century.

The Myth of the Side-Wall Bounce

Many amateurs believe that simply throwing the ball harder increases the chance of a bounce. While speed is necessary, "thinness" is more critical. To get a pin to travel horizontally, the ball must clip the very edge of the pin—often referred to as a "hairline" hit. If the ball hits too much of the pin, the pin is driven straight back into the pit, effectively ending the chance of a ricochet.

A Statistical Reality Check

How hard is it, exactly? According to historical data from the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), the conversion rate for the 7-10 split among the best bowlers in the world is approximately 0.7%. That means for every 145 attempts by a professional, only one results in a spare.

To put this into perspective, professional bowlers convert other difficult splits, like the 4-6-7-10 (the "Big Four"), at a slightly higher frequency, despite there being more pins standing. The sheer distance of the 7-10 makes it the ultimate "low-probability" shot. In many high-stakes tournament scenarios, a pro will not even attempt to make it. Instead, they will aim for a "nine count," simply sliding one pin into the pit to ensure they get the extra point rather than risking a complete miss (a "washout") while trying for the miracle.

The Hall of Fame: Televised Miracles

Because of its rarity, a televised conversion of the 7-10 split is considered a legendary moment in sports broadcasting. In the history of the PBA Tour, this feat has been captured on camera only a handful of times.

Mark Roth (1980)

The first time the world saw a 7-10 split converted on national television was on January 5, 1980. The man responsible was Mark Roth, a player known for his high-revolution style and immense power. During the ARC Alameda Open, Roth left the 7-10 and proceeded to fire a shot at the 7-pin that snapped off the left kickback and tumbled across the lane to topple the 10. For over a decade, Roth was the only member of this exclusive club.

The 1991 Breakthroughs: John Mazza and Jess Stayrook

The year 1991 proved to be an anomaly in bowling history. After a 11-year drought, John Mazza converted the 7-10 during the Bud Light Hall of Fame Championship. Just months later, Jess Stayrook repeated the feat during the Tucson Open. Both players used the "pit bounce" method, where the pin enters the pit area, hits the back cushion or the revolving carpet, and pops back out with enough momentum to catch the remaining corner pin.

Anthony Neuer (2021)

The most recent and perhaps most famous conversion occurred during the 2021 U.S. Open semifinals. Anthony Neuer, a young left-handed player known as the "Ginger Assassin," faced the 7-10 split against a seasoned opponent. Neuer launched a blistering shot at the 7-pin. The pin slammed into the side wall and zipped across the lane like a heat-seeking missile, erasing the 10-pin. The reaction from the commentators and the crowd highlighted the sheer disbelief that accompanies this shot. It was the first time the conversion was captured in high-definition, allowing fans to analyze the physics in slow motion.

Why Pros Find it Harder than Amateurs

It is a common anecdote in local bowling alleys: a casual league player claims to have picked up the 7-10 split multiple times. While these claims are often met with skepticism, there is a technical reason why an amateur might find the 7-10 "easier" than a pro—though only slightly.

Pin Weight and Density

Professional tournaments use brand-new, high-density pins that weigh exactly 3 pounds, 6 ounces. These pins are designed to be stable. Amateur "house" pins are often older, lighter due to wear and tear, and have lost some of their structural integrity. Lighter pins are "livelier"; they jump and bounce more easily than the heavy, dead-weight pins used on the PBA Tour.

Lane Topography and Oil

Pro bowlers play on complex "oil patterns" that dictate how the ball moves. These patterns often have heavy oil in the middle and very little on the edges. When trying to convert a 7-10, the lack of oil on the extreme edges can cause the ball to "grab" the lane too early, making a precise hairline hit on a corner pin nearly impossible to replicate consistently. Amateurs playing on "house shots" (where the oil is distributed to help the ball reach the pocket) often have a more predictable path to the corner pins.

Is the 7-10 Actually the Hardest Shot?

While the 7-10 split is the most famous, statistical analysis of PBA data suggests it might not be the absolute hardest. The "Greek Church" (the 4-6-7-8-10 or 4-6-7-9-10) is often cited as having a lower conversion rate. In a Greek Church, the bowler must slide one pin into two others while the ball takes out the remaining two. Because it requires multiple pin-to-pin interactions, the margin for error is arguably smaller.

However, the 7-10 split retains its title as the "hardest" in the public imagination because of its visual simplicity. It is just two pins, as far apart as possible, offering a clear psychological challenge that more crowded splits do not.

Tactical Advice: When to Go for the 7-10

For most bowlers, the sight of a 7-10 split is an invitation to relax—not because the frame is over, but because the pressure of "making the spare" is effectively removed. Here is how experts suggest approaching the situation:

The "Nine Count" Strategy

If you are in a close match, the smart play is almost always to ignore the split and just take one pin. Missing both pins while trying to perform a miracle results in an "open frame" and zero extra points for the spare attempt. In a game of inches, that one extra point from a 9-count can be the difference between winning and losing.

The "Miracle" Strategy

If you have a comfortable lead or are just playing for fun, the key is speed and angle:

  1. Target the "Inside" Edge: You want to hit the pin on the side closest to the gutter. This increases the likelihood that the pin will fly toward the kickback wall rather than falling straight back.
  2. Maximize Ball Speed: The more kinetic energy you transfer to the first pin, the more energy it has to bounce off the walls and travel 36 inches across the deck.
  3. Use a Plastic Ball: Professional bowlers often use "spare balls" made of plastic or polyester. These balls do not hook, allowing for a perfectly straight line to the corner pin, which is essential for hitting that hairline edge.

Common Misconceptions About the 7-10 Split

"You can hit both pins with the ball."

As stated previously, the math doesn't work. The lane is 42 inches wide, the pins are 36 inches apart at their centers, and the ball is 8.5 inches wide. There is no physical path for the ball to touch both.

"It’s all about luck."

While luck is a massive factor, skill determines the possibility of luck. A bowler who can consistently hit the outer 5% of a pin with high velocity creates more opportunities for a favorable bounce than a bowler who hits the pin dead-center.

"The 7-10 only happens on bad shots."

Surprisingly, the 7-10 split often occurs on what looks like a perfect "pocket hit." If the ball enters the pocket (between the 1 and 3 pins for a righty) with too much "drive" or at an suboptimal angle, it can deflect in a way that leaves the two back corners standing. It is often described as the "hardest luck" leave in the game.

Summary of the 7-10 Split Challenge

The 7-10 split remains the ultimate symbol of bowling’s difficulty. It combines the rigid laws of physics with the chaotic unpredictability of pin action. While the odds of 0.7% suggest it is a fool's errand to try and convert it, the legendary successful attempts by bowlers like Mark Roth and Anthony Neuer continue to inspire players to dream of the "impossible slide." Whether you are a professional vying for a title or a weekend warrior at the local lanes, the 7-10 split is a reminder that in bowling, as in life, sometimes you can do everything right and still be left with a nearly impossible task.

FAQ About the 7-10 Split

What is the nickname for the 7-10 split? It is most commonly called "Bedposts," "Goal Posts," or "Snake Eyes."

Who was the first person to convert the 7-10 split on TV? Mark Roth was the first to do so on January 5, 1980.

How many pins are left in a 7-10 split? Only two pins remain: the 7-pin (rear left) and the 10-pin (rear right).

What are the odds of a professional bowler making a 7-10 split? Statistically, it is converted about 0.7% of the time, or once in every 145 attempts.

Is there a split harder than the 7-10? The "Greek Church" (4-6-7-8-10) is statistically considered harder to convert due to the complex pin-to-pin interaction required.