text

Game Rules for Bingo

Bingo is quite popular in Asia, maybe due to the ease of playing the game. Who could not match called numbers against those on a printed card? The printed cards used in this game usually have 25 squares, each bearing ramdon numbers, between 1 to 75. The squares are equally divided into columns, so that it corresponds to the letters of game title "B-I-N-G-O". Numbers that appear on the squares must be between the 15 consecutive numbers assigned to that column.

Basic Rule

A player is given a card or more where he is to find specified patterns given before the game. As numbers are drawn and announced, the player must quickly search it through his card or cards and mark it as he find it. The game is fast-paced because of the speed of the draw and call of numbers. Upon formation of a winning pattern, the player must immediately shout " Bingo!" to inform others to the win.

Commonly used patterns are blackout, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line, inner or corner squares, and letter-formations like L, T, and Y. It is the blackout pattern that is usually designated with the highest prize.

Playing in Different Variants

The rules for the variants of the game is likewise the same, but it usually differs only on how it is executed and what is at stake, depending on local rules.

Some games are played for modest stakes reaching to millions in jackpot prizes.. It is also frequent for the any variant to have a progressive jackpot that increases per session until it is won. There are also other bingo sessions played in different clubs, across telephone lines. With the advent of the modern technology, the game also follows through with online versions available on the Internet.

In another variant, the Bingo logic, the numbers are pre-drawn and the numbers on the card is hidden. The card is scratched to find out if it has got the winning pattern. Prizes for this type may be redeemed at designated outlets between a given period of time. This variant of the game is usually used for promotion to reach even the busy people who don't have a lot of time to spare at a session hall.

In the Philippines, the game has become so widespread that it caters not only to the the people seeking for social activity, but as well as to those aiming for easy money. Players could easily gather together for a session that can be set up easily with just a small area (even footpaths is enough) to play on, a few cards, small stones, and the bingo shaker. Numbers on the cards are marked by placing a tiny stone over it. Players expect little prizes and entertainment on this type of game.