We have all played bingo at one point in our lives. Whether it was ten years or a week ago, there is no denying that this is one of the best games that has ever existed. Being the first one to yell out ‘Bingo’ sends a rush of adrenaline and excitement all over your body. It’s even more impressive when there is a reward for the winner.
With advancements in technology, bingo has ventured from traditional to electronic platforms. Nowadays, you can play bingo online with players from all corners of the world. Are you interested in knowing more about bingo or do you want to refresh your memory regarding the basic rules of this game? Below, we are going to cover everything you need to know about bingo.
Where Did Bingo Originate from?
The roots of bingo can be traced to Italy in the 1500s. It was later adopted by the French in the 1700s. This traditional bingo featured a caller who would pick wooden chips number 1 to 90 from a bag. The first person to match an entire row would be named the winner.
Here in the US, Bingo was popularized by a toy salesman in New York known as Edwin S Lowe. When he attended a carnival in Atlanta, Georgia, he saw a fascinating game called Beano. He took the game home and started playing with his buddies. It was gradually picked up by social clubs, churches, and other organizations.
What Equipment Do You Need to Play Bingo?
If you have played bingo before, chances are you already know how to use the game’s equipment. But, for the sake of beginners, allow us to reintroduce you to bingo’s gameplay. This game requires players to use cards that have five columns of 5 squares. All these squares have a unique number except for the square in the middle; it is labeled free. The game is played when a caller says a number; you have to look for it and mark it. The first person who completes an agreed pattern and yells out ‘Bingo’ wins.
On the above-mentioned columns, at the top, they are categorized as B – I – N – G – O. The letter B represents numbers 1 to 15, I 16 to 30, N 31 to 45, G 46 to 60, and O 61 to 75.
Players have the option to choose from disposable sheets or cardboards which contain these squares with numbers and letters at the top. Daubers on the other hand are special ink stampers that players use to mark the number called out.
An essential part of bingo is the caller. This is the individual who picks numbers from a blower or basket and announces the number. From there, it’s up to the players to create a pattern depending on whether they are playing straight-line bingo or coverall. So, straight-line bingo is the most common version in which you have to make a pattern in a straight line. This can be horizontally, diagonally, or vertically. There is also the coverall, which is a bit trickier; all squares have to be covered.
Rewards and Prizes from Bingo
In most cases, the main prize for bingo is usually in cash. A winner can bag from $50 to $1 million depending on the number of players. Local organizations also run jackpots for the game which can end in the winner being rewarded a couple of thousand dollars. There are also super jackpots where to win, one has to compete in a series of bingo games. Most hall owners, however, ought to take insurance for this type of jackpot to avoid going broke.
Etiquette for Playing Bingo and Tips on How to Win
• Get to the hall on time and settle down
• Be on the lookout for lucky seats
• Avoid repeating the numbers being called out
• Don’t blame the caller for your loses
• Yell bingo only when you are sure
• Seat near the caller
• Always be alert
• Be sharp and realize a pattern as it forms itself on your sheet or cardboard
• If it’s possible to play when sober
• Speak up politely if the caller isn’t audible enough
For sure, we can’t say that winning bingo isn’t attributed to luck or superstition. There are those players who are always lucky enough to win nearly all the time. Then there are those who use strategy and emerge victoriously. As a player, you should find what works for you. What matters the most is that you have fun and enjoy playing the game.
