BINGO

Bingo was introduced in the United States way back 1920s and was named Beano from the word beans because players then literally used pieces of beans to mark the corresponding number on their card. Rumor has it that the name only evolved when accidentally someone from the group of players due to excitement shouted the word Bingo instead Beano. As a result, the name was now widely used as the name of this card game instead of its original name beano.

THE PLAYERS

This game of chance can be played by multiple players simultaneously and each player is independent from each other. There are chances that only one player can claim the prize or multiple players might claim the pot price.

The caller is the individual who manages the game but is not considered as a player. The caller's role in this game is to draw the numbered balls randomly and announce them to the players.

THE CARD and THE BALLS

The bingo card is basically a rectangular, non reusable card containing uniquely combined numbers. The word BINGO is written above the card atop 5 columns with each column getting a letter. Bingo cards contain 25 squares separately by grids. There are 5 squares horizontally and vertically arranged (thus creating 25 squares in total). Each grid contains a number except the center grid which is called the filler.

The balls of the game may also vary in quantity. In some places, a maximum of 50 balls are played meaning only 50 possible numbered balls can be announced randomly. In other places, there are 75 balls as maximum depending on the amount of bet.

THE GAME

At the beginning of the game, the caller announces to the players what kind of pattern should be formed to win the round. The pattern may either be:

Blackout in which every number on the card must marked. One line in which only one line of corresponding numbers combination can be marked. Diagonal Vertical The X-form, Y-form or L-Form

Note that patterns may vary from place to place. Bingo patterns in America might differ from that of the pattern in the United Kingdom or in the Asian region.

The caller then randomly selects the numbered ball from a container and loudly announces it to all the players. The caller must then set aside the chosen number so as not to pick it again and of course for the purpose of counter checking once a player shouts bingo.

The player then must look after their card and search for the corresponding announced number. If their card contains the number announced, the player marks it and prays for their chance to form the agreed pattern.

Each player competes to form the agreed pattern in the shortest period of time. The process continues until the last numbered ball is selected. The first player to form the agreed patter shouts BINGO so as to announce to everybody that they won the game.