How to Play Bingo

Yelling ‘Bingo’ gave you a high when young. The game continues today, via the electronic media. But many prefer visiting traditional bingo halls to play with paper cards and daubers. More than luck and superstition, strategy is the keyword to winning. Here is the modus operandi for newcomers on how to go about playing bingo. Read on…

Punctuality: Arrive early. Seasoned players do so for many reasons. To stick their cards to slippery tables with tape, for a regular seat, to prepare their cards, arrange for refreshments or just gossip about tales of happening bingo halls in town!

Seating: Be sure you sit close to the caller. The quicker you learn the next number, the better. It’ll also allow you to steal the first look at the next ball that comes off the chute. It’s acceptable, so don’t feel guilty! Only, you’ll have to wait till the caller announces the number.

On guard: Be alert because you have to yell out ‘bingo’ once a winning number is called. Sleep on this and you will have lost out. Actually, players who scream out ‘bingo’ after the next number are called sleepers.

Avoid alcohol: Alcoholic drinks are served at bingo halls, as refreshments. Remember that alcohol can cloud your judgment. Better avoid it.

Voice your opinion: Callers are at times either in a hurry or even new. So if a caller zooms through the numbers, tell him. Also, a new guy might be unsure of the speed. Advise him. After all, you will be the eventual loser if you keep quiet.

Be rule-conscious: At times, knowingly or on purpose, unfair practices are indulged in. So interrupt and quote a rule that is being broken. Do it, and it could mean losing or winning. For you!

Get fit: Being a game where you sit continuously, you tend to put on flab. Bingo snacking is not helping you either. So, exercise and be a fit player.

Polish your cerebral skills: Often, novices curse themselves for having missed a chance to fill in a square in a card. Not pros, whose combination of concentration, cerebral skills and constant play has made them seasoned. So, like them, pay attention to a) Ignoring numbers on the left of the square. Save time by reading numbers on the card backward. b) Predaub every square you do not need. c) Carry a marker to highlight daubable spaces.

Now go… yell ‘bingo’!