Bingo rules: cards, caller and winning patterns

The caller announces an item. Players mark it if it appears on their card. Agree the winning pattern before the first call.

Updated

Prepare the set

Generate a different card for each player. Print the caller list as well as the cards. For question bingo, the caller reads the clue while cards display answers.

Name the winning pattern

A row, column, diagonal or full card can be a winning pattern. Choose one before play and show an example. Decide whether the centre is free.

Call and pause

Read one item clearly, repeat it, and allow time for players to find it. The page caller records earlier calls.

Check a claim

Ask the player to read the marked winning items. Compare every item against the caller history before declaring a winner. If two players finish on the same call, share the win.