How to play Bingo

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to play Bingo! Bingo is a game of chance that has been enjoyed by people worldwide for centuries. It has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years to a lottery-style game in Italy circa 1530. Today, it is a beloved game played in many different settings, from church basements to online gaming sites.

In America, Bingo became famous at a travelling carnival in & around Atlanta in 1929; where it was called Beano. Edwin S. Lowe, a toy salesman, introduced this lotto-style game to his buddies in New York, and it quickly became a hit. One player famously yelled “Bingo” in excitement, and the name stuck. By 1934, it is estimated that some 10,000 bingo games were played every week. Today bingo is played and enjoyed in many different formats, notably 75 ball and 90 ball bingo – the industry staples.

Getting Bingo Scorecards

To get started with Bingo, the first step is to get each player’s scorecards. Bingo scorecards typically comprise the 75 ball grid. It’s your call. In the scorecards, each column contains a range of numbers, with the format matching all the letters in the word B-I-N-G-O. Each card features 24 numbered spaces, and the bingo numbers are randomly assigned on each card and arranged in five columns of five numbers, each by five rows (5 x 5 = 25 in total, including the blank square).

* In the case of 90 ball bingo, use a 9X3 card with 5 randomly generated bingo numbers on each horizontal row. From left to right, the bingo numbers are drawn from 1-10, 11-20, 21- 30, etcetera for the full quota of 90 bingo numbers. Prizes are awarded for completing 1 line, 2 lines, or a Full House, as seen below in this random bingo card:

Explain the Bingo Scorecard Structure

Each bingo player requires at least one scorecard to get started when playing Bingo. However, it’s possible to use multiple scorecards. Remember to keep track of all the squares on each card, though.

Consider creating a fun and festive scorecard presentation during the introductory stage of learning how to play bingo. For example, you could create Bingo-themed gift bags complete with their scorecards and Bingo chips, or you could have players draw their scorecards from a hat or bag. It’s a great way to get everyone excited about the game and ensure each player has everything they need.

No matter how many scorecards each player has, the key is to stay organized and keep track of all the squares. With the right supplies and setup, playing Bingo can be a fun and exciting experience for players.

Customizing Bingo Scorecards

To add some excitement to the game, you can source scorecards with different themes, such as geography, sports, pop culture, or even animals. You can opt for scorecards with more squares to make the game more challenging. For beginners, you can use scorecards with pictures or words instead of numbers. These customized scorecards can add a unique touch to the game, and players can personalize them with their favourite images or words. In addition, you can find blank Bingo scorecards online, which can be printed and customized according to your preference.

How to mark the squares on the Bingo cards

Bingo Chips

Bingo chips rule! They’re essential as players use them to mark the squares on their bingo cards. You can try any small object (paper, coins, casino chips, washers, matches) as Bingo chips if they fit on the squares.

To add an element of personalization and make this step more fun, you can create customized Bingo chips.

For instance, you can make Bingo chips with players’ initials or pictures, adding a personal touch to the game. Alternatively, you can use different Bingo chips, such as candy or small toys, to make the game more exciting. Using creative and unique Bingo chips, players can add some personality to their gameplay and make it more engaging.

Bingo Dabbers

Bingo dabbers, also known as bingo markers or daubers, are essential tools used in bingo games to mark the numbers on a bingo card instead of using Bingo chips. Unlike regular pens or pencils, bingo dabbers are specifically designed for this purpose. They are cylindrical or round and have a foam or felt tip filled with ink, typically bright and colourful. The ink helps players easily see the numbers they have marked, making the game faster and more convenient, especially when playing multiple cards simultaneously.

Bingo dabbers are available in various colours, designs, and sizes, and they have become a popular collectable item among bingo enthusiasts.

Some players even have collections of unique and rare dabbers, adding to the fun and excitement of the game. In addition, dabbers are an alternative to bingo chips, which are small plastic or wooden markers used to cover the numbers on a bingo card. While dabbers and chips serve the same purpose of marking the numbers, dabbers are often preferred because they allow players to mark multiple cards simultaneously without the risk of chips accidentally moving or being knocked over. However, some players still prefer to use chips or other marking methods, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Cover the Free Space with a Bingo Chip or dab it

The free space in the middle of bingo scorecards is like the cherry on top of the Bingo sundae – a sweet bonus everyone gets to start with! But why not take it up a notch and make it even more exciting?

One way to do this is to make the free space a coveted prize. For example, create a rule where the first player to cover their free space wins a small prize, like a candy bar or a special Bingo marker. This will ramp up the excitement in the game and engage players even more.

But why stop there? You can also make the free space more challenging by adding a rule that it can only be used as part of a winning combination if the other combined squares have already been covered.

You can also create variations on the free space rule to further spice up the game. For example, you can have the first player to cover the free space in each row or column win a small prize.

Another option is to switch the free space to a different location on the scorecard every few rounds, adding a fun and unpredictable element to the game. The endless possibilities for creative variations on the free space rule can make the game even more exciting and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Marking off the Bingo Numbers

During the game, numbers are drawn randomly, and players mark off their numbers when they match the ones called. Each card features a free space that players can mark off as soon as the game begins, which helps them match winning numbers.

The Letter/Number Combinations in Bingo Games

Understanding the letter/number combos is critical when you’re learning how to play bingo. There are 75 different letter/number matches in US & Canadian bingo games, with each combination corresponding to a square on the physical bingo scorecards. There are 90 numbers in the UK and European variant. Therefore, players need to understand how to match the called-out numbers with the squares on their bingo scorecards.

To make learning the letter-number combinations more engaging, you can create a mini-quiz for players to test their knowledge. Challenge your friends and family to see who can correctly match the most letter/number combinations in the shortest time. You can even make it a race by setting a timer and seeing who can finish the quiz first.

Another way to make this step more interesting is by providing some historical context to the game. Did you know that Bingo can be traced back to a lottery game called “Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia” played in Italy in the 16th century? By the 18th century, the game had evolved into a popular French game that used playing cards and tokens.

In the 19th century, it was widely used in Germany to teach children spelling and multiplication tables. However, it wasn’t until the game made its way to America in 1929 that it was called “Beano” and played with dried beans, a rubber stamp, and cardboard sheets. Today, Bingo is a beloved game played around the world.

Take the time to go over the letter-number combinations with your fellow Bingo players before starting the game. Then, with some practice and historical context, you’ll be ready to shout “Bingo!” in no time.

Designate a Bingo Caller

The bingo caller ranks as the most important person in the game. They’re responsible for calling out the letter-number combinations and determining which squares are covered on players’ bingo scorecards. Therefore, choosing the right caller is crucial for a successful game of Bingo. You need an organized, clear person who can speak loudly enough for all the players to hear.

But why settle for a boring old caller when you can create a Bingo hat? Get creative and make a hat decorated with Bingo balls or scorecards, and have the caller draw the letter-number combinations from the hat. It’s a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved and add excitement to the game.

Another way to make this step more engaging is by rotating the caller throughout the game. This way, everyone gets a chance to be the one calling out the letter-number combinations. It’s a great way to add some variety to the gameplay and ensure that everyone has a chance to participate in the game.

Whether you create a Bingo hat or rotate the caller throughout the game, make sure you choose an organized, articulate person who can speak loudly enough for all the players to hear. Then, with some creativity and strategic planning, you’ll be on your way to a successful game of Bingo in no time.

Provide the Bingo Caller with Letters & Numbers for the Game

As you know, the caller is a crucial part of Bingo games. They’re responsible for keeping the game organized, clear, and exciting for all the players. To ensure the caller is up for the task, you can have them do a little warm-up activity before starting the game.

For example, you can have the caller tell a funny joke or a story to get everyone in a good mood. You can also have the caller do a silly dance or wear a funny hat to add some extra entertainment to the game. This can help break the ice and create a more relaxed and fun atmosphere for everyone playing.

Another way to make this step more engaging is by using different types of Bingo balls or spinners. For instance, you can use glow-in-the-dark Bingo balls to make the game more exciting in the dark.

Or you can use a digital Bingo spinner that displays the letter-number combinations on a screen. This can add some variety to the gameplay and make the game more interactive for players.

Let’s get the Bingo party started!

1. The Bingo Caller Reads the Letter/Number Pair
   Once the caller has the letters and numbers for the game, the excitement begins! The caller should read each combination multiple times so everyone can hear it clearly. He can also use the traditional bingo calls to make it fun. But why not turn up the heat and add a little extra challenge to this step? Try setting a timer or countdown clock and make it a race against the clock for players to place their chips on the scorecards before time runs out! This will bring extra speed and excitement to the game, keeping players on the edge of their seats. So, get ready for some heart-pumping Bingo action!
2. Place Chips on / Dab Matched Letters/Numbers
   Once the letter/number call is made, the real fun begins! Players should check their scorecards to see if they have the corresponding letter & number. If they do, they can place a chip on the appropriate square or mark the called number with a Bingo dabber and move a step closer to winning.
   To make this step more exciting, you can add a rule where players need to perform a fun task or answer a trivia question correctly before they can place a chip on their scorecard or dab it.
   This can add an element of surprise and challenge to the game and make it even more engaging for all players. In addition, the tasks or trivia questions can be customized to suit the interests of the players, ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate and have fun.
3. Wait for a Bingo Player to Score 5 Chips in a Row
   The thrill of Bingo is the race to match 5 X squares horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The caller keeps the game going by choosing new letter-number combinations until a winner is declared. You can even spice things up; add a rule where players must cover all the squares on their scorecard to win. This will take the competition up a notch and give players extra excitement as they race to fill up their scorecards. It will also make the game more thrilling for players who love a challenge.
4. Yell Bingo! When you Match 5 Squares in a Vertical/Horizontal/Diagonal Line
   When a player completes a row of five covered squares on their bingo card, they shout “Bingo” to signal their win. The bingo caller pauses the game and verifies the winning card before continuing. Ready to push the limits? You can add a rule where the winner gets to lead the next round of Bingo or choose a special prize. You can also create a Bingo-themed crown or sash for the winner to wear, making it a fun and memorable experience for everyone.
5. Clear Scorecards After a Bingo Winner is Crowned
   Now you know how to play bingo! Once a player has won a game, it’s time to start fresh by clearing all scorecards except the chip placed on the center space – that’s a gift to players. This is a crucial step in preparing for another exciting game of Bingo. To add some pep to this step, you can have players gather their chips in a container, such as a cup, hat, or bucket, and use them to determine the order of play for the next game. The player with the most chips gets to go first in the next game, making it a fun and engaging experience for everyone. If you dabbed your bingo cards then simply use new bingo cards to get a new game started.

How to Play Bingo FAQ

How many squares are on a Bingo scorecard?

75-five ball bingo scorecards have 25 squares. 90-ball bingo scoreboards have a 9X3 grid of 27 squares.

How do you win at Bingo?

To win at Bingo, you must cover five squares in a row on your scorecard in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row.

How many letter-number combinations are in standard Bingo?

There are 75 different letter-number combinations in standard Bingo. In UK bingo games, there are 90 different letter-number combinations.

What are some creative ways to make Bingo more fun and engaging?

Some creative ways to make Bingo more fun and engaging for players include changing the letter-number combinations, adding physical challenges or trivia questions, adding twists to the game rules, encouraging players to decorate their scorecards, and offering unique prizes.

What do you use to cover the squares on your scorecard?

You use Bingo chips to cover the squares on your scorecard. If you’ve got bingo dabbers, then use those to mark the called numbers.

What is the free space in Bingo?

The free space in Bingo is the square in the center of everyone’s scorecard that is already covered with a chip at the beginning of the game.

Can you use different objects as Bingo chips?

Yes, you can use any small object as Bingo chips if they fit inside the squares on the scorecards.

What happens if multiple players shout “Bingo” simultaneously?

It depends on the rules set for the game. For example, if there’s only one prize for the first person to shout “Bingo,” they would need to share the prize if multiple players shout it simultaneously. However, if the rules allow multiple winners, each winner would receive their prize.

How do you start a new game of Bingo?

To start a new game of Bingo, the caller needs to mix all the letter/number combinations used in the previous game back into the bucket, bowl, or spinner they’re using.