How to play bingo

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You probably learnt how to play bingo as a child, but the excitement of being the first one to yell "Bingo!" doesn't end in grade school. Newer trends like electronic bingo and online bingo open the game to new audiences, while some still prefer a traditional bingo hall with paper cards and daubers.Some believe the key to winning at bingo lies in luck and superstition, while others believe the secret to success is found in advanced bingo strategies and "playing the odds." Whatever your strategy, you'll need to know our basic rules and etiquette.


Bingo Basics

Bingo Jackpots and Prizes

Bingo Rules and Etiquette

Bingo Playing Tips

How to Hone Your Mental Skills


Bingo Basics

Bingo is a game of chance in which randomly selected numbers are drawn and players match those numbers to those appearing on their ticket which are printed or electronically represented and are known as "cards." The first person to have a card where the drawn numbers form a specified pattern is the winner and calls out the word "Bingo!" to alert others and inform the caller of the win. The card must first be properly checked for accuracy before the "win" is officially confirmed at which time the prize is secured and a new game is begun. Online bingo takes the hassle out of checking the cards as everything is done electronically and if you miss a number or make a mistake and don't know if you've made bingo the computer programme will announce bingo so you will never lose out.

In Online bingo each player selects an amount of tickets for a single game, the more tickets you buy the more chance of winning you'll have, when the game begins you have the choice to dab the numbers yourself or let the computer do it, it does'nt matter which option you choose as the computer programme keeps track of all of the tickets (cards) and announces bingo when the winning number is called, this is very handy if you buy a lot of tickets.

The caller or computer programme selects and announces the randomly choosen numbers until the first player forms the agreed pattern (one line, two lines, full house etc.) on their card or tickets, the computer programme will then announce bingo and that player has won the agreed prize and the game continues to the next line, full card or pattern.

One of the most common patterns, called full card, blackout and cover-all simply consists of marking all the numbers on the card. Other common patterns are single line, two lines, the four corners, centre cross, L, T, Y, postage stamp (2x2 and in a corner) inner square (4 × 4), roving square (3 × 3), and roving kite (a 3 × 3 diamond). Lines can be made horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Inner and roving squares and kites must be completely filled; roving squares and kites may be made anywhere on the card.

Bingo Jackpots and Prizes

The usual prize at bingo is cash, from $50 or $100 for a simple bingo at a small hall all the way up to $1 million or more in special high-stakes games on Native American reservations or in casinos. But the prize can also be a car, a trip, or even novelty prizes (in New York, one restaurant gives away margaritas to the lucky winners).

The size of the typical jackpot is based on how much money is coming in. Most halls are required to payout at least 50 to 60 percent of the money they take in. Likewise, the total money they can give out per game or session is often limited by state or local rules. In Georgia, for instance, halls can't give out more than $1,100 on a single night, though many states are more generous than that. Louisiana, for example, allows $4,500 per session.

A progressive jackpot is a prize that keeps growing from game to game until somebody wins it. The house kicks off a progressive game by "seeding the pot" with an attractive amount of money -- say $500 -- instead of simply setting the jackpot as a percentage of card sales. To win the progressive, a player must have an extraordinary win, such as a blackout (covering every space on a bingo card) in only 49 balls. If no one wins, the house chips in extra money to sweeten the pot even more. The jackpot may get bumped up by $100 per game over a number of sessions or weeks.

Sometimes a progressive jackpot gets so big that the bingo hall by law has to cap it, and the prize stays at the same level until somebody wins. In some states, such as Michigan, there is no limit to how much money a player can win in progressive bingo.

The popularity of big prizes has allowed bingo to expand into more lucrative games. The most exciting new phenomenon in the bingo world is the spread of high-stakes games. There are literally dozens of halls scrambling to set up games that promise to pay $50,000, $100,000, or even $1 million to some lucky winner. The jackpots are so high that some hall owners take out insurance policies so they won't go broke!

Some of the super-jackpots are set up to be "step games," where the game pays different amounts depending on how quickly the winner gets a blackout. For example, a blackout in 49 numbers might pay $50,000, while a blackout in only 45 numbers would earn $100,000. Because it's very hard to get a blackout in so few calls, it may be weeks or even months before anybody wins it.

The super-jackpots are usually winnable during certain sessions. For example, the Thunderbird Entertainment Center in Norman, Oklahoma, has a $100,000 payout game offered six sessions a week -- five nights and one afternoon. In order to win this or other super-jackpots, players usually have to get a special pattern within a certain number of calls, and then they may have to play another game of chance, like spinning a wheel or picking an envelope off a prize board.

As you can imagine, the odds of winning are pretty slim, so it may be weeks, months, or years before somebody gets that top prize. Then again, somebody could win it on the first game of the first session on the first day it's offered.

Players who hit a big bingo in a super-jackpot don't just walk away with a fat check. First, the bingo balls are collected and sent to an independent testing lab to make sure there has been no tampering, and the insurance company reviews a security videotape. The check is usually cut about 48 hours after the win. If the jackpot is less than $100,000, it may be paid out in a single lump sum, but larger jackpots are usually paid out in the form of yearly payments.

Satellite bingo is another way bingo halls can offer larger jackpots. This is a linked bingo game played simultaneously at bingo halls in a certain area. An outside company links the bingo halls by satellite (hence the name of the game!). The prizes in satellite bingo games are often much larger than what individual halls could offer. Satellite bingo is only found in certain states, such as Washington, where the top prize in evening games is $50,000.

If you are interested in going home with some of those sweet winnings, it's important that you understand the basics of the game. In the next section we'll look at the game equipment and how it's used.

Bingo Rules and Etiquette

What happens when somebody gets the bingo card pattern? The customary way to announce that you've won is simply to yell "Bingo!" loud enough for the caller to hear. Once bingo is called, an assistant (sometimes called a floor walker) will come to the table right away to verify the bingo.

The floor walker will call out the winning numbers for the caller to verify or, in fancier setups, will simply call out an identification number on the card, which the caller punches into a computer that automatically verifies or rejects the bingo. Depending on where you play, the winning bingo card may be posted for the remainder of the night so other players can inspect it. Disputes are not that common -- either you bingo or you don't -- but when discrepancies pop up, the bingo manager usually has the final say.

If two people call bingo on the same number, the jackpot is split evenly between them. Likewise, if three people call it, the house divides the pot three ways.

Common Rules

Since no two bingo halls operate exactly the same way, it's a good idea to read the posted rules thoroughly before the session begins. Be sure to look for special handouts; any extra printed rules for the night supersede what is posted.

Whatever you do, don't try to alter a bingo card! It's not worth it, and no experienced bingo manager or caller will fall for it. Many, if not most, halls will be happy to make an example of anyone caught cheating, prosecuting to the full extent of the law. Play it safe by following the rules and being honest. Below are some common rules you may encounter:

* In most halls, players must be 18 years of age or older.

* Some halls prohibit alcoholic beverages, while others will sell beer along with soft drinks. Outside food and drinks are usually frowned upon, since most establishments want you to buy their hot dogs, chips, and soda.

* During special high-stakes games, management may prohibit players from entering and leaving the hall.

* Reserving specific cards may not be allowed.

* Typically, people are not allowed to sit and watch while friends or relatives play; each seated person may be required to have their own buy-in. Some halls may require seated players to have an attendance ticket in plain view while they play.

* If a player has bingo, it's up to him or her to stop play before the next number is called by announcing "bingo!" loud enough for the caller to hear.

It's important to know that bingo must be claimed on the most-recent number called. If the caller has already started announcing the next ball, it's too late to call bingo. Likewise, as soon as the caller closes the game and drops the balls for the next game, any missed bingos become invalid.

One practical point: Bring a photo ID in case you hit the big one. For large jackpots, players might have to produce a Social Security card as well and fill out earnings and tax reporting forms on the spot. Also, the hall may reserve the right to publicize winners or winning cards.

Bingo Etiquette

Bingo players are a friendly lot who will be more than glad to talk you through any bingo problems you might have. But don't forget that you're on their turf. Miss Manners doesn't have much to say about bingo specifically, so here are some tips to follow to avoid stepping on any toes as you make your way through the bingo hall.

Pipe down. The most important of all unwritten rules. You'll notice that regular players pipe down instantly as soon as the caller gets down to business.

Watch out for lucky seats. Some players are very particular about where they sit. If you grab a seat that happens to be a lucky one, you might be asked to move. It's a good idea to go along with the request.

Don't be a parrot. Some people have a habit of repeating numbers as they are called. This might help them concentrate, but it can be very distracting for other players. Try to keep talking and extra noise to an absolute minimum while numbers are being called.

Keep kids quiet. Most people will understand if you have to bring the kids, but they won't tolerate rambunctious youngsters running around and yelling while they are trying to concentrate. Bring an activity or three to keep your children occupied while you play. Sometimes, the hall may offer "fun" bingo cards to keep the kiddies occupied.

Don't take out your frustrations on the caller. Occasionally, players on a losing streak have been known to express their displeasure by yelling "change the caller" or making other derisive or sarcastic comments the caller can hear. Chill out! The caller can't control destiny. If there is a genuine caller problem, try saying, "Louder, please" or "Slow down, please" loudly but politely. If that doesn't work, take the problem to the bingo manager.

Think before you call bingo. Calling bingo stops the flow of the game. If it's a false bingo, regular players might get exasperated with you, particularly if they've already started crumpling up the last game's paper sheets in frustration.

Only smoke in the designated areas. Smoking and bingo are inseparable in the minds of many enthusiasts, and in fact, bingo halls may be the last indoor establishments in America that welcome smokers. But for some players, cigarette smoke can ruin enjoyment of the game or even make them feel sick, especially in a poorly ventilated hall. Try to respect the nonsmoker's space.

Bingo Playing Tips

It's time to learn what seasoned bingo professionals already know. The game is steeped in ritual, rules, and special game variations. A first-timer is bound to get bewildered without some sort of guidance. The following are a variety of pointers that will help you get in the groove quickly.

Arrive early. It's common practice for regular players to arrive at the hall one or two hours before the session begins. This gives them ample time to get their favorite seat, prepare their cards (by fastening them down or predaubing spaces not needed for the pattern), grab a snack, set up their good-luck trinkets, play some pull-tabs, or gossip and play gin rummy with other regulars.

This is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the best or worst games in town. As you meet people, you'll get to hear war stories and find out about the popular places in town to play bingo. Take what you hear with a grain of salt, though. People might make broad statements about a certain hall just because they went one time and lost. Or they might say, "I love that hall -- I won six times!" However, it's wise to also ask that person just how much they have lost there!

Be prepared. Bring tape or a glue stick. Slippery tables can be a pain when you're trying to concentrate on your cards. A roll of adhesive tape should solve that. Likewise, a glue stick might be a good investment.

Sit close to the caller. The faster you get information, the better. By sitting near the caller, you may be able to sneak a peek at the next ball as it pops out of the chute. This is a totally acceptable practice, so feel free to take advantage of it. However, be aware that you can't call bingo until after the number is announced by the caller.

Stay alert. Stay on your toes, because if you cover the pattern on B-7 but don't yell "bingo" before the next number is called, you lose. For somebody who has spent all night at the tables, it's a personal tragedy to "sleep a bingo." (Somebody who hollers "bingo" after the next number has been called is known as a sleeper.)

Keep your wits about you. Some bingo halls serve alcoholic drinks along with the usual assortment of snacks and refreshments. Enjoy in moderation, if that's what you like, but always remember that alcohol can impair your judgment. Don't rely on your bingo judgment to be the best under the influence of alcohol. You don't want to wake up the next morning wondering what happened to that paycheck you just cashed!

Speak up. Don't be afraid to call the caller. If it seems like the caller is whizzing through the numbers, you may be playing too many cards. But the caller could be new, or he or she may simply be tired and hoping to get the game done quickly. If you know you can play six faces comfortably but you're having trouble keeping up, don't be afraid to speak up.

Know the rules. If someone gets a bingo unfairly (for example, they don't call bingo loud enough for the caller to stop the game but they are awarded the pot anyway), citing the rules may mean the difference between you having a chance to win and the game ending right there.

Get some exercise. A lot of people say exercise makes them sharper and better able to concentrate. Exercise also combats the dreaded "seat spread" caused by excessive bingo snack consumption. Be warned, however, that a brisk walk around the parking lot probably won't cut it. Researchers in Victoria, Australia, found that six minutes of aerobic exercise had no effect on how mentally sharp bingo players were compared with their pre-exercise scores.

How to Hone Your Mental Skills

A big surprise to bingo beginners is how often they have to slap their forehead because they missed a chance to fill in a square on one of their cards. For bingo "professionals," however, missed calls are kept to a minimum thanks to a combination of concentration and mental skills that become second nature from repeated play. Below are a few tips to try out.

Ignore the numbers on the left side of the square. By reading the numbers on the card backward, you may save a little time. For example, if the number called is B-12, scan the right-hand side of the B column for 2's. When you see one, glance to the left for a 1.

Pay attention to the pattern. It can be tricky to keep up with the caller while remembering to check for the pattern. It's not unusual at all for a beginner to get bingo and not realize it, simply because their card is so daubed up that they don't even see the pattern. Predaub all the squares you don't need. Don't forget that in certain games, many of the spaces don't matter.

If the game pattern is picture frame (all the squares along the four edges of the card), try predaubing all the inside numbers to help you mentally block out the rest of the card and concentrate on the important spaces. That can mean a lot of daubing in a 12-card game of little diamond (the four squares immediately up, down, left, and right of the free space), but the slight edge you gain from predaubing might allow you to comfortably track additional sheets.

Eventually, as you develop the mental skills that come with repeated play, you may find you don't get any benefit from predaubing. You may be able to simply visualize the pattern as your eyes dart from card to card.

Rely on backup. If you're still having trouble keeping up with complicated patterns, consider bringing a yellow highlighter to mark the daubable spaces.

Good Luck!


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