How to Play Bingo

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:

• Bingo Markers
• Card Tables
• Chairs
• Prizes
• Bingo Cards
• Bingo Game Sets

1. Take a bingo card from the host and have a seat.
2. Cover the "Free" space in the center of your card with a marker.
3. Listen as the host calls out a letter and number such as "B-3."
4. Find the "B" column.
5. Look to see if you have a "3" in the column under the "B."
6. Place a marker over the "B-3" if you have it.
7. Listen as the host continues to call out letters and numbers.
8. Place markers over the letter and number combinations that appear on your card.
9. Yell out "BINGO!" as soon as you cover the numbers in a winning pattern - usually a straight line going horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
10. Call out the numbers you've marked in your winning pattern when the host asks you.
11. 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.