Deadwood Meaning in Bowling

Deadwood refers to pins that have been knocked over but remain lying on the lane or gutter. These pins must be removed before the next throw to prevent interference. An automated machine usually clears them, but sometimes a pin stays in the way. Bowlers should never throw a ball if a fallen pin is touching the lane surface. For example, the official paused the game to remove the deadwood before the player took her second shot. Deadwood is simply fallen debris that must be cleared to keep the game fair.