Bingo (Make Your Own)

Quick Pitch

Bingo is a game of chance where players mark numbers on cards as they're called, trying to complete a predetermined pattern (usually five in a row).

Equipment Needed

• Sheets of paper (one per player for bingo card)
• Pencil or pen
• Coins, chips, or tokens for marking called numbers
• Container for drawing numbers (cup, hat, or bowl)
• Numbered papers or balls (1-75 or 1-90, depending on variant)

Setup

Creating Bingo Cards

American 75-Ball Bingo:

1. Draw 5×5 Grid (25 squares total)
2. Label Columns: B-I-N-G-O (top of each column)
3. Fill in Numbers:
   • B column: 1-15
   • I column: 16-30
   • N column: 31-45
   • G column: 46-60
   • O column: 61-75
   • Free space: Center (N-3 position)
4. Randomize: Ensure each card is different
   • Vary number order in each column
   • Or use printed templates if available

Example card:

B    I    N    G    O
5   18   33   48   65
10  22   39   51   71
2   27  FREE  55   64
8   25   37   60   73
13  29   41   52   75

British 90-Ball Bingo:

1. Draw 9×3 Grid (27 squares, but only 15 have numbers)
2. Fill Numbers:
   • 1st column: 1-9
   • 2nd column: 10-19
   • 3rd column: 20-29
   • Continue through 9th column: 80-90
   • Only 5 numbers per column, rest blank
3. Pattern: Typically horizontal line, two lines, or full card

Creating Multiple Cards:

For group play:

• Create unique cards for each player
• Each number appears in only one position
• Randomize within column constraints

Rules

1. Drawing numbers: Numbers are drawn randomly from the container one at a time
2. Calling numbers: The caller announces each number (e.g., "B-7", "I-28", "N-FREE")
3. Marking cards: Players mark the called number on their card if they have it
4. Winning patterns: First player to complete the designated pattern wins:
   • Standard American: Five in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal)
   • British: One line, two lines, or full card (agreed before game starts)
5. Free space: Center space on American bingo cards is automatically "free" and can be marked before any numbers are called
6. Claiming victory: Player must announce "Bingo!" when they complete the winning pattern
7. Verification: Winning card must be verified by another player or the caller before prize awarded
8. Game ends: When one player wins, that round is complete (unless playing multiple rounds)
9. No talking out of turn: Players should only announce when they win