Tired of striking out at happy hour? Turn it into a bonus: Grab a friend or co-worker, or go it alone, and join one of the the area's bowling leagues. The addition of specialty drinks, DJs, and a new generation of ballers have put the user-friendly -- not to mention addictive -- sport back on the social radar, 21st century-style. You'll enjoy the thrill of team competition without changing your clothes or breaking a sweat -- and you may even get to the point where everybody knows your name.
What to Expect: To hone your killer instinct while having fun: There's money to be won each season, with the most cutthroat leagues having the biggest prizes (last year a local team won $5,000!). Most leagues are currently midseason (they'll end around May and either hold a short summer session or pick up again in early September), but many have vacancies they're eager to fill, so if you want to join now, it's worth a call. Alleys suggest stopping by to check out the night you'd like to bowl so you can suss out the competition level and group style. Teams range from two to five people each, and there's a league for everyone, from kilt-wearing men to kids to lackadaisical hipsters to yuppies out for blood.
At first, you'll be hurling the ball down the lane, hoping to knock down pins. Soon, you'll be picking up the 7-10 split.
(Nate Lankford For The Washington Post)
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What to Bring: You can rent shoes and use the house balls, but grizzled veterans know the advantage of bringing your own. Extra cash for beers, hot dogs and other refreshments is a must to keep up your strength and give you courage for those tough-to-hit spares.
Cost: About $15-$19 a week, depending on the night and competition level. Membership in the American Bowling Congress or Women's International Bowling Congress is $16 per year (some alleys require that you register to join a league), and balls start at about $40.
Kate Ghiloni
Where to Get Lucky
AMF Alexandria Lanes. 6228A North Kings Hwy., Alexandria. 703-765-3634. This alley draws a local, family-friendly crowd. Check out Monday (at 7:15 p.m.) or Tuesday (at 6:45 p.m.) mix nights. Thursday's NASCAR league just started, and Wednesday's league is popular.
AMF Seminary Lanes. 4620 Kenmore Ave., Alexandria. 703-823-6200. Tuesday's Racing Bowl and Pizza Pitcher leagues get the most action at this spacious no-frills joint. You'll find mostly twentysomethings here, though the plentiful lanes allow for lots of different crowds.
AMF Shady Grove Lanes. 15720 Shady Grove Rd., Gaithersburg. 301-948-1390. Come at 6 p.m. any day of the week to find someone to strike pins with. Most leagues are in mid-season -- Thursday's Mixed Five is the most popular -- but Friday's still have vacancies. The crowd? Think parents whose toddlers are home with the sitter.
Capital Plaza Lanes. 4601 Cooper Ln., Hyattsville. 301-772-6565. The friendly staff is happy to help you find the right team at this alley, which draws a good mix of young and old. The twice-a-week (Monday and Tuesday) league is in the middle of a 35-week run. There are also Friday's Duos night at 9:20 p.m. and Saturday's Good Time Rollers league, which meets at 6 p.m.
NNMC Bowling Center. National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda. 301-295-2060. These classic lanes come complete with a retro snack bar. Since it's part of Navy property, you must call ahead to registerand bring ID. You'll spot lots of military here as well as Bethesda and Rockville natives. League play is Tuesdays or Thursdays, but come on a Wednesday to witness a full house.
