A simple yet exciting premise with a strong social element, bingo has been a cherished British pastime for decades. Iconic calls such as ‘two fat ladies’ and ‘two little ducks’ are instantly recognisable, even to those who have never played.
Its simplicity means that both new and established players often overlook potentially advantageous considerations when playing. Whilst nothing compares to having luck on your side, certain tips and tricks can certainly increase your probability of winning bingo.
The game itself is straightforward, with the player purchasing cards containing a set of numbers that can potentially be drawn. Bingo is achieved by the first player to have every number on a card called out.
Bingo Cards
Key to advancing your play is carefully considering how you’re using and purchasing cards. In the case of Bingo, more is better and buying as many cards as possible produces the highest statistical chance of winning.
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Depending on the specific game, the price of an individual card can vary considerably. Some games offer cards from as little as a single penny, whilst others cost closer to £1 or more.
Ensure you’re playing a variation that is affordable enough to make buying multiple tickets for each game financially viable.
If your budget doesn’t permit buying multiple cards, try a cheaper, alternative game. It’s always best to spread your money across as many tickets as possible to maximise win probability.
Game Variations
Although the core premise remains unchanged, the number of calls can vastly affect the experience. Bingo is usually played in 30, 75, 80 and 90 ball variations, which typically last progressively longer.
Often known as ‘speed bingo’, 30 ball bingo is traditionally played with a 3×3 card. With games concluded very quickly, this variation is perfect for the impatient or those with little time on their hands.
The 90 ball games are most popular and the standard when playing. These games can last up to five minutes, with longer games only feeding the anxiety as multiple people approach bingo.
Note that the number of calls can increase the card price. If 90 balls are hurting the wallet, playing with fewer calls is another option.
With 90 ball bingo being standard, many players haven’t browsed the available alternatives. Choosing the right game could elevate and transform how you enjoy the game.
Bonuses and Jackpots
Bonuses and jackpots do make the game more exciting.
Perhaps the best way to advance your play is to effectively utilise the many bonuses available to bingo players.
One of the best is a mystery jackpot that can guarantee prizes in the hundreds, offered by some games. Prior to the game starting, a mystery jackpot of £10- £500 is randomly drawn, making winning potentially very lucrative.
Another common jackpot are the progressive versions, which pool together player stakes until won. These often reach thousands and offer the best chance to win significantly when playing.
A stipulation for winning these is that a full house must be achieved within a certain number of calls. Always play a game with a jackpot as often there isn’t too much difference in card price.
Free versions of 90 ball bingo that allow the player to win bonus funds also exist. These funds must be used in conjunction with real money, but still add to the total amount you can wager.
Strategies
A strong emphasis on luck hasn’t deterred statisticians from devising scientific strategies when selecting bingo cards. The two most well-known are the Granville and Tippett strategies.
Granville’s strategy is applied to 75 ball bingo and focuses on an equal spread of numbers. Try to find a ticket that balances the number of high and low as well as even and odd numbers.
Furthermore, it suggests choosing as many numbers as possible that end with a distinct digit. If a card contains 16, this would mean avoiding 26, 36, etc.
The Tippett strategy can be applied to many forms of bingo and revolve around the median number of calls. He argues that as the game progresses, more balls close to the median will be drawn.
For shorter games, select numbers at either end of the spectrum. Alternatively, if the games usually take a while to conclude, selecting numbers close to the median is preferable.
However, neither strategy can be perfectly applied as the random nature of tickets ensures some level of compromise. Although not guaranteed to work, these strategies are something to consider when picking your ticket.
Avoid Key Times
The alien concept of having to consider the time at which we play is actually very beneficial to playing bingo. Even experienced players have their routine and perhaps haven’t given much thought when they play much thought.
Each game of bingo produces only one winner, with fuller lobbies reducing the odds of it being you. Considering each player will likely buy multiple tickets, having tens or even hundreds of players can hamper your odds of winning.
Choose your time wisely and try to play when most people will be working or busy. The weekend or after work are prime playing hours during which lobbies will be their fullest.
Bingo Isn’t Just Luck
Under bingo’s simplistic is a complex game of statistics and odds. Even many of the experienced players haven’t given the intricacies of bingo much thought.
The reality is that certain tricks statistically increase the likelihood of winning. Although luck is the ultimate deciding factor, other advice will have you calling bingo more often than before.
