How to Play Bingo

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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The object of bingo is to achieve a certain pattern on a bingo card by marking out numbers that are called by the host during the game. Most bingo cards have the letters "B," "I," "N," "G" and "O" running horizontally across the face of the card. A column of numbers is under each letter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Take a bingo card from the host and have a seat.
Step2
Cover the "Free" space in the center of your card with a marker.
Step3
Listen as the host calls out a letter and number such as "B-3."
Step4
Find the "B" column.
Step5
Look to see if you have a "3" in the column under the "B."
Step6
Place a marker over the "B-3" if you have it.
Step7
Listen as the host continues to call out letters and numbers.
Step8
Place markers over the letter and number combinations that appear on your card.
Step9
Yell out "BINGO!" as soon as you cover the numbers in a winning pattern - usually a straight line going horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Step10
Call out the numbers you've marked in your winning pattern when the host asks you.
Step11
Collect your prize from the host after the numbers are verified.

Tips & Warnings

  • Listen for special instructions so that you know what the winning pattern is before you begin playing. There are some variations; for example, in "Blackout Bingo" all the numbers on the card must be marked out.
  • Some people play with more than one card per game.
  • Don't yell out "Bingo!" unless you actually have a winning card. And, of course, if someone calls out "Bingo" before you do, that person wins the game and the prize.

Comments

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on 5/31/2008 I hosted a bingo party for our K-8 school. For more variety, I mixed up the various ways to win: (I searched the internet to compose this list)

1. Any Bingo (HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL, DIAGONAL)
2. Only Horizontal, vertical, diagonal
3. All of a single letter: “B” “I” “N” “G” “O”
4. Easy Letters: (for younger kids)
- X, H, T, L, O, C
5. Harder Letters:
- P, E, F, C, Y, N, Z
o Here's all BINGO letter patterns
- B, C, N, E, F, H, I, J, L, N, O, P, S, T, U, X, Y, Z
6. Corners
7. Square or “O”
8. Cross (middles)
9. Cover-all
10. More Free Spaces:
- Corners
11. Worst Bingo [Last One Standing Wins]
- Everyone stands, then sits when their number is called.
12. Quickie Bingo
- Rapidly call out numbers

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eHow Article:  How to Play Bingo

eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

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