General Bingo
Bingo rules are quite simple and easy to learn. Apart from a sound foundation about the basics of the game, the rules are easy to master as compared with other games. There are different types of bingo, each played with a slightly different set of rules. However, the basic rules for all types remain the same. The most important feature about general bingo is to try to create a fixed pattern in the bingo card. It may be with words or numbers. As the case may, it is the prerogative of the caller to call out a number or word. Corresponding to the number or word announced, the player has to place a marker in his card. The marker and the caller’s word or number must tally with each other.
A general bingo card is arranged like a grid of 25 squares. Additionally there are 5 lines and an equal number of columns placed in the card. The word ‘BINGO’ is placed at the top. Each column contains a set of numbers. Numbers from 1-15 are placed in the first column that falls under the letter B, form the word bingo placed at the top of the grid. Numbers 16-30 are placed under the letter ‘I’. The arrangement of the numbers continues till 75. The last or the 25th square is left blank. It is used as filler by the player. Instead of numbers, words can also be used to play bingo.
Bingo rules do not have anything to be learnt by heart. The only thing that a bingo player has to be careful about is the various patterns of the bingo card and how to go about with them. In other words to be a smart bingo player, one must be familiar with his bingo card.
