A Bingo Overview

Bingo is an easy game. Even non-bingo players can play bingo after a few minutes of watching how bingo is played. There are only two things that you need to play bingo, and they are a bingo card and a marker. All you have to do is to recognize the numbers that were called by the bingo caller, and then, keeping a sharp eye out, you have to mark the number on your card.

Objective of Bingo

The main objective of bingo is to cover the pattern that was assigned for a certain game. Before each game begins a specific pattern is determined.

The Bingo Card

You will see on the bingo cards the letters B-I-N-G-O; these letters are placed above five columns. In each column, a set of numbers that range from 1 to 75 will be listed.

The column under letter B can contain the numbers 1 to 15. Under the column I are the numbers from 16 to 30. Column N has the numbers 31 to 45. Under letter G are the numbers 46 to 60. Lastly, under the letter O are the numbers 61 to 75.

Each card will have only 5 of these possible numbers under the corresponding letter, excepting the letter N, which will have 4, since its middle digit is the traditional free space.

The Game

The basic game is simple; first you need a bingo card. You can have as many bingo cards as you can handle at one time.

The came will begin after the host announces the particular pattern for that game, to be followed by players.

The bingo caller will call the first number. Listen carefully, and make a quick scan of your cards, to make sure you mark all the cards with that number.

The caller will continue until someone has got the designated pattern filled in. If this is the case, the winner shouts the word "BINGO"! This will get the attention of the bingo staff, as well as to inform everybody that there is a potential winner. The staff will double-check the numbers before they declare a winner.

After a game has been won, another game will follow shortly, which will be won by a completely different pattern.

Tips

If you haven't filled out the necessary numbers on your card, never yell the word "bingo", this can distract the game and other players might get annoyed. Practice common courtesy towards your "family" of players.

You will not only enjoy the game, but this is also a good way to socialize with other bingo players. Remember that bingo is a community game.