Strikes are awesome but spares win games and raise averages. Think of this; all spares, 9/ 9/ will get you a 191. So if you're averaging less than that, you're spare game is what is hurting your average. Hell, I'm averaging over that and my inconsistent spare game (lately) is what's killing me. 5 strikes a game without making the spares won't get you squat. Spread those strikes out and make the spares and you're in the 230s.

Nick, I tell myself "quality shot". to me, that's hitting the pocket (or close to it) and not leaving a nasty split. Manageable spares are a big key to higher scores.