Bingo is among the most popular games throughout the world. The popularity not only resides in the UK but the US is also exceedingly active in this exciting game. More and more people are asking the question: how to play bingo? The game has different versions which are more popular in the respective regions. However, the most popular bingo playing style is the UK one. Although little variations can be found where similar versions are in play.
The rules of this game are incredibly simple, whether it is in being played at a bingo hall or club, or just simply at a game night; the exhilaration level remains the same. Bingo is the most common in association with the elderly, through movies and social media. However, it may come as a surprise to many to know that this is not just a part of the old age homes and is popular in the gambling industry as well among different age groups.
This online bingo guide for beginners will cover different versions of how to play bingo. Along with the guide, this article will answer some of the most common questions related to bingo.
How to play bingo: the basics
Bingo is essentially a card game which is specifically designed to play only Bingo. Depending on where the game is, there will always be a designated place where bingo scorecards are being sold. Depending on the version of the game, the card will have random numbers written on them without a specific order. Another person, who will be announcing the numbers will begin the game. They will announce the numbers either occurring on an electronic board or simply from a shuffle machine. Upon hearing the numbers the players will either cover or cross out the current number. Proceeding like this, the aim of the game is rather simple. If a player successfully crosses out an entire line, either vertically, horizontally or diagonally (in some cases), they win the prize set for that round.
Different versions of Bingo have different rounds, in which winning can depend on more than just crossing out a single line. Fullhouse is one such round, in which all the numbers on the scorecard are to be crossed in order to win. The prize varies with the type of round. These are the basics for a bingo game. Moving on we will discuss the different versions of bingo and how to play them.
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How to play bingo: British version
The British bingo has quite a few changes from the American version. The first difference arises in the scorecards which have a different format. In the British version, the sheet comprises of 6 tickets. A person can either buy a single ticket for a single round, or they can buy the entire sheet. The format of a sheet which has 6 tickets, has numbers from 1-90 displaying all of them. A single ticket will have 3 rows and 9 columns. Among these 27 spaces, there are a total of 15 random numbers. Each row has 5 numbers and 4 blank spaces in a random arrangement.
After taking tickets or sheets, everyone takes their seats so the game can begin. A person who leads the game is known as the ‘caller’. This person is responsible for announcing numbers which will come from either an electronic board which generates random numbers or by drawing counters from a source. An additional responsibility of the caller is to validate the winning tickets in case someone makes a bogus call. The caller will be announcing the numbers which the players have to simultaneously cross off from their tickets. The first player to successfully clear out a line wins. The winning call is either shouting a ‘yes’ or ‘bingo’.
Depending on where you are playing, a staff member will reach out to you upon your call, and take the winning ticket to the caller who will check it out for the player. The player wins the prize in case the ticket is correct. In some cases, especially in larger bingo gatherings, there might be more than two winners on the last number call. In such a circumstance, the prize is split equally between the winners.
Types of ways to win in Bingo:
Line: When a player is playing for a line, they have to complete any one single line with 5 numbers in it. In British bingo, there are only 3 line options available for a line: top, middle, and bottom. Once a player has completed, they can call out to signify that they have won.
4 corners: This type has fewer numbers but more complicated due to the specific positioning of these numbers. In 4 corners, a player has to cross out the outermost top and bottom corners of both the left and right side. If this is achieved the player will earn a prize set for this victory.
Two lines: Similar to the line, two lines cover any two lines from either the top, middle, or bottom row. Upon completing the player can call out to inform the caller that a winner has emerged.
Fullhouse: When a fullhouse is announced it means the first player to cross out all of the numbers in a single ticket will win the prize which is normally more than all the other.
How to play bingo: American version
American bingo differs from the British version on quite a few instances. First and foremost, the cards for the bingo are quite different. Instead of using numbers from 1-90, the American version plays with 1-75. Also, instead of 3×6, the format is 6×5 with an additional line of alphabets, ‘B’, ‘I’, ‘N’, ‘G’, and ‘O’. The word in the card is Bingo which is at the top of the scorecard. The numbers under each column are:
- B: 1-15
- I: 16-30
- N: 31-45
- G: 46-60
- O: 61-75
When the numbers are read out, instead of just calling out the number, the caller reads out the alphabet coinciding with the number. For instance, the number called out will be B12, anyone who has B12 will cross it out. This may sound difficult in comparison to the British version due to the alphabetical relationship with the numbers. However, it does not change the situation much, since the numbers along with the alphabet are under it. There is one advantage in American bingo, which is the ‘free space’ in the centre of the chart. This free space acts as a wild card which players can use to complete the line intersecting it.
In addition to these rules, American bingo comes in two most basic variations. These variations are as follows:
75-ball bingo:
- This bingo is the one which is played on one individual card with the free space in between
75-ball variation:
- This version comes without the free space in the middle. Although, in this type of bingo a player can buy a set of 3 tickets and play with them at the same time
The prize for American bingo does offer a certain variety but less in comparison to British bingo. Instead of technical ways to shout out bingo the players will call out when lines are complete. Upon the completion of the first line, the winners will receive the prize. The game will continue if there are prizes for 2, 3 or even 4 lines. Fullhouse is also available in American bingo which may take more time to complete since there are 25 numbers instead of 15 like in the British version.
The players will be either using daubers to mark the cards or in some cases the electronic devices depending on the playing medium. When announcing a win, the players may shout ‘yes’ or ‘bingo’. In some cases, players also say ‘line’ or ‘house’ depending on which category of prize.
American bingo types:
There are several interesting ways to play bingo in America with a little contrast in the rulebook.
U-Pick ‘Em bingo: is the most commonly played bingo in the US. There are bingo halls available where members can participate. This bingo requires the traditional marking off numbers on cards with the basic rules without alteration.
- Bonanza: takes a different approach to the traditional bingo. Instead of taking out numbers when the game starts, numbers are pre-drawn. Approximately 43-48 numbers are pre-drawn before the game begins. These numbers are then available on a screen for the players to mark on their cards. When all players have successfully marked out all the existing numbers, the caller gives time for players to announce any victories. In case the card is correct, the player who owns the card will win a prize respective to the round. In case there are no bingos, the caller then proceeds to take out numbers and announcing them.
- The game continues until someone says bingo. Bonanza bingo has a similarity with slot machines which run on a progressive algorithm. This means, as long as there is no winner the game will continue with an additional advantage in which the prize amount keeps increasing. When someone wins, the prize amount is reset and it starts all over again.
- Shotgun: is a shorter version of American bingo. It is also famous as a quickie or turbo in some cases. This is usually a filler round in between different activities for players to pass time. This is kept short by allowing three or fewer rounds requiring 1-3 cards at most. The number calling also carries at a quicker pace than usual.
- Quick shot: is an amalgamation of bonanza and shotgun. The numbers are always pre-drawn and players are handed out sealed cards which they can only open once the pre-drawn numbers are determined. The first person to shout out bingo wins the round. The caller then checks the card to see if it matches the numbers.
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Dos and don’ts in a bingo game
Fundamentally, bingo is really simple and easy to learn. However, like other games, bingo does require a few etiquettes which have to be taken into consideration. Unless someone is playing at a personal gathering, then it is appropriate to follow the guidelines the host provides. Here are some bingo community dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
The trick to having a pleasant evening at a bingo gathering is to socialize with fellow players.
- Being lucky in bingo is a thing. Well, maybe to some people. Once in a while, one might come across players who believe in having lucky charms. These said charms might just even be hall seats. Understanding such players is the key to a happy bingo community.
- Always remember to say/shout ‘bingo’ on the number which grants victory. For instance, if a player completes a line when the number 55 is called and does not shout ‘bingo’ before the next number is called, the winner will be canceled.
- While being hasty is essential to keep up with the pace of the game. It is also important to keep checking thoroughly so one does not make a bogus or fake call which consequently disrupts the flow of the game.
- Do not take any unattended cards or sheets lying around. Someone could have left them and probably would return to claim them.
- When leaving before the game is over, give away spare cards to those still in the game. These cards will be of no use for future games.
Ways to win at a bingo game
Essentially bingo is a game of luck. What matters the most is that a player is more comfortable when playing the game. Focus is of key importance since the game has a fast pace. A lot of people around you may be buying a lot of tickets or booklets, but it is important to judge your own capability of handling when it comes to playing on multiple sheets. It is better to practice and then proceed on to playing on more than one ticket. Using a dauber which highlights in such a way which is not too dark or not too light is one way to keep track of the numbers.
In short, being alert and quick certainly helps in a win. Overall, the game is more of a recreational game which is why it should be thoroughly enjoyed.
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