The card
A 75-ball card has five columns under the letters B, I, N, G and O. B holds 1 to 15, I holds 16 to 30, N holds 31 to 45, G holds 46 to 60 and O holds 61 to 75. The center square is free.
How to play bingo
Bingo takes a minute to learn: every player has a card of numbers, a caller draws numbers at random, and the first player to complete the pattern wins. Here's the whole game, from the card to the last call.
Step by step
- 1Everyone gets a card, printed or on their phone.
- 2The caller announces the pattern for the game.
- 3The caller draws a number and calls it with its letter, like B 7.
- 4Players mark the number if it's on their card.
- 5The first player to complete the pattern shouts bingo.
- 6The caller checks the card. If it's right, they win.
Winning patterns
One line
Five across, down or diagonal.
Four corners
Just the corner squares.
Blackout
Every square on the card.
Questions
Good to know
What happens if two people get bingo at once?
Most groups split the prize, or play one more call to break the tie. Decide before the game starts.
Does the free space count?
Yes. It counts for every pattern that crosses the middle.
How many numbers are in bingo?
75 in American bingo and 90 in the British version.
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.