Types Of Bingo
What are the Bingo Variations? Most folks are familiar with the traditional way of playing Bingo; which includes getting the corresponding numbers to Bingo in a line straight across, vertically down, diagonally, the four corners, or a blackout. On the other hand, there are tons of other fun ways to play the game. For Profit Bingo. Found almost exclusively in Nevada, these types of bingo games are operated by the large casinos. Nevada operations typically play several brief and relatively inexpensive sessions per day. They are also referred to as “Hour On, Hour Off” bingo for their alternating schedule of sessions (11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5PM, 7 PM). Here’s a look at some different types of bingo. 75 ball bingo: The granddaddy of bingo games in North America, this is the one that you are familiar with from your childhood. 75 ball bingo is used to teach math skills and concepts as well as for a little recreational fun as adults.
The Different Types of Bingo Game
- 30 Ball (Speed Bingo)
- 75 Ball (America’s Favourite)
- 80 Ball (Made for Online)
- 90 Ball (The Most Popular)
If you’ve ever wondered how many types of bingo games exist, then you’ve come to the right place. Or perhaps you’ve stumbled across this piece and you’re thinking ‘how many can there possibly be?’ It’s bingo, after all. A simple game with extremely easy to grasp rules, and a game that almost anyone can play.
All of the above is true, which is why it’s such a popular game all over the world. But its simplicity and worldwide popularity also lend it an element of flexibility, adaptability and differentiation across bingo halls and even borders. For an explanation of the four main types of bingo, plus one very fun extra, keep reading. We have the answers you’re looking for.
30 Ball AKA ‘Speed Bingo’
This uses the least numbers of all, hence the name ‘speed bingo.’ Whilst 30 ball bingo isn’t as common as other variations, you can find it on offer at various online sites and bingo halls. With just 30 balls or numbers in play at one time, there’s a speed to this particular game of bingo that is unmatched by the alternatives. This is especially attractive to people with less time on their hands, or those who are seeking a slightly different kind of thrill from their weekly bingo bash.
Gaming cards for speed bingo have 9 numbers, with each and every square filled within a 3×3 grid. Not only is this game played at a quicker pace, but there’s just one grand prize for the full-house winner too – making the stakes higher than ever. It really is a bingo game to get your heart racing.
75 Ball Bingo
This version of the bingo game is the most popular across the United States, with multiple variations of the format existing across the country.
For this game of bingo, the first winner must have a full row of numbers checked off their card, more often than not in any direction – up, down or diagonally. Other alternative games can often allow players to utilise different patterns to complete a row.
The card for 75 ball bingo is a 5×5 grid with 25 squares. Of these, 24 contain numbers and the centre square is left blank.
80 Ball Bingo
This one was created especially for online players, increasing in popularity in the years since. To win this game, a player must mark off a complete row in the pattern shown on the card. As with 75 ball bingo, each column has within it a number range. For example, the first row contains 1-20, the second is 21-40 and so on.
80 ball bingo uses a 4×4 card, holding 16 numbers in its entirety. There are a number of popular patterns used for winning an 80 ball bingo game, including 4 corners, single numbers, horizontal lines and vertical lines.
Keep an eye out for the more experimental patterns out there. Bingo is a simple game but if you don’t keep your eye on the ball, you can still be caught out.
90 Ball Bingo
This is the big one, both in terms of numbers, the depth of the game and its overall popularity. 90 ball bingo is the world’s most popular version of bingo, including the UK. It consists of 90 numbers (obviously) and can be played in bingo halls such as that of BJ’s Bingo, as well as online.
Numbers are displayed randomly across 9 columns, with 5 numbers in each of the 3 rows. There are 15 numbers on each card overall.
90 ball bingo works in three stages. The first winner is the person who completes a horizontal row, followed by a second winner after said person acquires two full horizontal rows of numbers. Finally, the winner of the grand prize gets every single number on their card for a full house. Phew!
Bingo is Bingo
Whilst there are variations on playing cards, numbers, and some rules, the game always remains the same at its core. Bingo is always fun, always simple and always unmistakably itself. Now, who fancies a game?
Everybody loves bingo!
Yes, it’s a simple game and mostly based on luck but that’s what’s so good about it. Anyone can play it; you don’t need the agility and reflexes of youth or the tactical mind of Bobby Fischer. You can just relax and have fun while enjoying the company of others.
It’s also an exciting game that will make your heart race every time a new ball is drawn. When you’re one number away from completion, you’re waiting with bated breath to shout out the magic word.
Bingo!
Familiarity with the winning bingo patterns is the only “skill” you need. This article will cover the most popular bingo winning combinations so you can hit it big at the bingo table or online.
Let’s get started.
Regular Bingo Patterns
These are the most common patterns that can get you a win in bingo halls or on online sites you’ll find in Bingoscanner. They’re pretty straightforward and it’s easy to visualize the pattern as soon as you hear the name announced.
First, you have the straight line patterns or one-line bingo. You just need to cover five numbers adjacent to each other in a straight line. The line can be in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal direction.
Next up are the letter patterns. Usually, the letter called out has to occupy the entirety of the card. For example, if the letter ‘T’ is the winning pattern, you have to mark the five numbers on the top row and the numbers running down the center column. The most common letters you’ll encounter in bingo are E, L, T, X, Y, and Z.
If there are letter patterns, then there should also be numbers. 3, 4, 7, and 8 are the most popular numbers used as patterns in bingo.
Crazy Bingo
The bingo caller might announce a regular pattern but with the ‘crazy’ modifier. You’ll sometimes hear something like ‘crazy T’ or ‘crazy 7’. What do they mean by crazy?
‘Crazy’ just means that you can win even if the pattern isn’t in its conventional orientation. Using the pattern ‘T’ for example, the T could be on its side or even upside down. A pattern that’s designated as crazy can be rotated 90, 180, or 270 degrees on the card.
Popular Patterns That Need a Little Imagination
In bingo, the number of patterns is practically limitless. Most of the patterns have been around for a long time and are easily recognized by experienced players. Here are some of the popular ones.
Clock: Make a circle by dabbing the outside border of the card except for the four corners. The hand of the clock is the free space in the center and any of the adjacent diagonal squares.
Kite a.k.a Magic Wand and Arrow: Mark a four-square box in one corner (the kite) then connect a line to the opposite corner. An arrow is similar to the kite but instead of a box, you make an arrowhead using six squares instead of four.
Types Of Bingo
Wine Glass: complete the bottom row then add a ‘Y’ shape on top.
Ready to Win?
Now that you know some of the most common bingo patterns, it’s time to try out this fun and exciting game. What are you waiting for? Take out your bingo marker and get ready to shout at the top of your lungs, “Bingo!”
Types Of Bingo Patterns
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