Bingo is a simple game where players receive cards with numbers and mark them off as a caller calls them out. The player who marks off all their numbers first wins. The term “bingo” can also refer to the shout a player gives to indicate they have won the game.
The straightforward nature of bingo is one of the reasons it’s so popular to play. Another is the excitement. Bingo entails a lot of luck, so anyone who plays it is in with a chance of winning. The strong social element is another aspect of the game which attracts players to it, whether it’s chit-chat in a traditional bingo hall with other players or discussing a game in the chat room of an online bingo operator. A further reason is the variety of bingo games available out there to players. Below is a look at some of the different online variations, how to play them and why they’re popular.
Variety is the spice of life
In this technological era, bingo has become so much accessible. Players can play it on their mobile phone or on other devices, whenever they want, wherever they want as long as they have an internet connection. Not only this, of course, but there are lots of variations of bingo now so that players who want something other than traditional bingo can remained engaged with bingo.
Often when you play bingo on a website, you can try the game out in a demo version to learn how the game works and judge whether you like it or not. Once you’re clear on what to do, you can dispense with the demo.
90-ball bingo
This is possibly the most common and most popular variation of bingo. Ninety numbers will go into the pot to be called. A player will have a card with three rows and nine columns. Generally, they can win in three ways: by marking a line of numbers, by marking two lines of numbers or by marking all lines of numbers (‘a full house’). This variation is good for anyone who is just starting out at playing bingo.
75-ball bingo
This is another common variation of bingo and is popular online. You might also see it referred to as ‘pattern bingo’. Unlike the traditional version of the game, 75-ball bingo features, as you might guess, balls numbered from 1 to 75. The card is also different, with each grid offering a 5×5 square of 24 numbers. The central square is free and you’ll find a letter of the word ‘bingo’ at the top of the columns to help you find your number easier.
In its purest form, the way to win at 75-ball bingo is with a single line across, down or diagonally. This isn’t the only way to win at the game, however. Depending on the operator, you can also win by marking two diagonal lines that form an X-formation on the card, by marking two lines in any direction or by marking off all the numbers on the card.
Speed bingo
Some operators and players call it ‘speed bingo’. Others call it ’30-ball bingo’. If you’ve played bingo online before, especially if you’ve played 75-ball bingo, you’ll pick up the basics of speed bingo in no time. The player’s card or ticket features a 3×3 grid of nine numbers. Numbers from 1 to 30 are called out.
This game is popular because of the rapid pace of games. If neither the 90-ball bingo or the 75-ball version is fast enough for you, speed bingo will be more to your liking. Often, the only way to win is to mark off all the numbers on your card because of the limited amount of spots available. This helps the game to go by quickly and not force players to wait for one line or two.
5-line bingo
Although some call it ‘Swedish bingo’, 5-line bingo is similar to-75 ball bingo, as numbers from 1 to 75 are called and the word “Bingo” also runs across the top of the card to help players identify the numbers easier. Unlike 75-ball bingo, however, the centre square isn’t free.
The way to win is pretty much described by the name of the game itself. Players can win by marking off one, two, three or four lines or by marking off the whole card (which would be five lines).
The beauty of the internet is that bingo fans have access to a variety of different bingo games, rather than having to stick with standard bingo when they don’t wish to. Other variations you can try include 80-ball bingo, where players have a 4×4 grid on their card and can win with four corners or with lines, or even slingo, which is a cross between slots and bingo.
