Bingo is a fun and easy-to-play game that people of all ages can enjoy. Itās popular at parties, gatherings, and even online bingo platforms. In traditional bingo, you can mark off numbers on a card as they are randomly called out.
The goal is to be the first to mark off a specific pattern, such as a row, column, or diagonal, and shout ‘Bingo’ to win. Bingo is great because itās simple, requires no special skills, and brings people together for a good time. Bingo has also secured its place in the online gaming space.
In this article, we’ll learn about the bingo rules and how to play bingo.
Bingo Game History
Since its invention in 1929, modern bingo has undergone several transitions, with each state jurisdictionās gambling laws governing the rules of play. Bingo evolved from Le Lotto (in France) and Tombola (in Italy) in the 1700s. However, in the early nineteenth century, Hugh J. Ward created and standardized a modern version of the game at carnivals in Pittsburgh. In 1933, he copyrighted it and also published a book of rules.
75-ball bingo played in the US should not be confused with 90-ball bingo played in the UK, as the bingo cards and the calling are slightly different. Interestingly, bingo is often used as an instructional tool in American educational institutions and imparts proficiency in English as a foreign language in several countries. In such cases, the instructors replace numbers with alphabets, words, images, or solvable arithmetic problems. Custom creations of bingo even allow teachers and parents of pupils to develop bingo cards using self-created content.
What is a Bingo Card Game?
Bingo is a game where the player matches numbers printed in various arrangements on bingo tickets with the numbers the caller draws randomly, marking the selected numbers. When selected numbers are arranged in a row on their card, they need to call out Bingo to alert the participants of their winning card. The host or his associate then examines the card to verify the win. 85% of players prefer online games to playing bingo rather than attending a game at a physical bingo hall.
How to Play Bingo?
Bingo Equipment
To host the game offline, you need bingo cards with a grid of numbers, numbered balls or an electronic random number generator, and markers or daubers to mark the called numbers.
Objective Of The Game
The goal is to mark off numbers on your card as they are called and be the first to complete a winning pattern.
Number Of Players
Bingo can be played with any number of players
Gameplay
It does take more than just knowing the rules of bingo to win. In the conventional 75-ball bingo, the host hands out bingo cards with five vertical columns and five horizontal rows to all the participating players. On the bingo card, the columns are lettered B-I-N-G-O across the top, with letters corresponding to each column. Five numbers are present on each row except for the N column, which features a āfree spaceā in the middle square.
Bingo balls are numbered from 1 to 75, put together randomly, and mixed. They are then picked and recorded one after the other. As the bingo balls are picked, the host announces the number to the participants. If their bingo cards include the number called out, they must mark it or cross it based on the played version.
The game host also announces a predetermined playing pattern and the prizes at the start. When a player crosses off all numbers on the bingo card in the appropriate bingo pattern, he yells out, āBingo!ā and the process mentioned earlier will commence. To win in the conventional version, a player has to cross off five spaces in a horizontal row, vertical column, or two diagonals of the card. Players can use the āfree spaceā in the center of each bingo card to create winning patterns with other marked-off spaces.
Know More: How to Earn Money by Playing Bingo?
Winning Patterns, Pull-Tabs, and Essential Gameplay Tips
Several winning patterns are used in bingo. For instance, the host can decide on the winning pattern in the shape of a letter, such as L, T, or X. It is the hostās responsibility to carefully identify the bingo patterns for the specific game. Bingo halls often have flashboards and TV monitors to help the players keep track of called-out numbers.
Many bingo halls also sell pull-tab tickets while the sessions are in progress. Pull tabs are akin to lottery tickets, wherein players can instantly win prizes. This adds an extra zing to the session while augmenting the chance of winning even more rewards.
A vital factor that applies to playing in a club or a bingo hall is to manage the process of listening and marking off numbers efficiently. Finding and marking numbers is not simple, especially when playing multiple cards. Therefore, land-based bingo games warrant a bit of quiet. Now you know how bingo is played!
What are the Rules of the Bingo Game?
Bingo rules are pretty easy for everyone to comprehend, whether you are playing online bingo or at a traditional bingo hall. As per bingo game rules, the three primary ways to win are as follows:
One Line: Mark off a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line of numbers fully
Two Lines: Daub two full horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines of numbers
Full House: Mark off all numbers on the card to win bingo
75-ball bingo is won by the player who marks off five numbers in a line first, which can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.
There can be varied winning patterns as per the platform.
Players must fill in the required spaces according to the game pattern announced at the start.
Rules remain standard, with some variation in strip size and draw numbers.
Additional winning patterns like chevrons, crosses, and diamonds may be included.
Some games feature a countdown timer within which players must score as many points as possible.
The player with the most excellent score ultimately wins the game.
You must always strive to keep up with the pace at which the numbers are called.Ā
Tips and Strategies To Win The Bingo Game
Once you have mastered how to play bingo and understood the bingo game rules, you can make use of these tips when playing bingo to help you win.
Play More Cards
If you are playing offline bingo, you can go with multiple bingo cards to increase your chances of winning. Just make sure you can manage them all. If not, stick to the number you are confident you can manage.
Choose Games with Fewer Players
Playing bingo with fewer participants increases your odds of winning, as thereās less competition. At least till you get the hang of the game,
Pay Attention
Always stay focused and mark your numbers quickly to avoid missing a win. Play very close to the numbers being called and stay calm.
Try The āTippett Strategyā
For longer games, select cards with numbers closer to the median (38 for a 75-ball game); choose numbers further from the median for shorter games. Why? Because numbers are more evenly distributed in longer Bingo games, so choosing cards with numbers near the median (38) could increase your chances. In shorter games, fewer numbers are called, so it is likely that extreme numbers (closer to 1 or 75) will be drawn. This can offer you an edge.
Bingo Variations
Let’s look at the few bingo game variations apart from the classic.
30-Ball Bingo
It is a fast-paced version called Speed Bingo. It is played on a 3×3 grid with 30 numbers. Numbers are called quickly; the goal is to mark all 9 numbers first to win.
Pattern Bingo
In this bingo game, you must aim to complete a specific pattern, like a letter or shape, instead of a line. Bingo rules may vary for this particular variant as per the platform.
Blackout Bingo
In this variant, players must cover the entire card to win. This can take more time.
Know More: Top 10 Bingo Games That Pay Real Money
FAQs
What is the trick to play bingo?
The main trick to winning the bingo game is to stay calm and focused. Always pay attention to the numbers being called and mark them off quickly.
What is a traditional bingo?
Traditional Bingo involves a 5×5 card grid, where players aim to complete a row, column, or diagonal to win.
What does 69 mean in bingo?
In Bingo, the number 69 is humorously called Either Way Up because the number’s symmetry remains the same when viewed upside down.
