LIVEBINGO
Start a gameStart

Bingo rules for hosts and players

The basic rules of bingo fit on one card, but every hall and family adds a few. Here are the core rules, and the house rules worth settling before the first call so nobody argues at the end.

Core rules

  1. 1Every card is different, with a free center space.
  2. 2The caller announces the pattern before the first number.
  3. 3Numbers are called at random, each only once.
  4. 4A player must call bingo before the next number is drawn.
  5. 5The caller checks the card against the called numbers.

House rules to agree on

Ties

Split the prize, or draw one more number.

False calls

Play on, or a small penalty like losing a turn.

Late calls

A bingo called after the next number may not count.

Cards per player

One each, or allow two for adults.

Rules the app enforces

LiveBingo never repeats a number, keeps the pattern fixed once anyone has a bingo, and checks every claim against the calls, so the caller doesn't have to.

Questions

Good to know

Do you have to say bingo before the next number?

In most halls, yes. A claim after the next call may not count. Agree on the rule first.

Can you have more than one card?

Yes, if the host allows it. Many halls sell several cards per player.

What's a false bingo?

A claim that doesn't match the called numbers. The game goes on.

Keep reading

More ideas for the night

Call the first number tonight

Open it on the TV, share the code, and every phone has a card in seconds.