Most people need no introduction to Bingo and even the first time player can easily tune into the game at a moment’s notice. It’s been around since ancient times, probably dating back to the 4th century. The game is commonly played in members-only clubs and on occasions when people come together to celebrate a social event. The online version of the game is fast gaining in popularity and judging by current trends, is likely to become tough competition to other forms of online gaming.

Playing Bingo Online

For those of us who haven’t been exposed to the game, here’s a quick description of how it’s played. Every player gets a bingo card and can buy more than one card if he or she has a quick enough eye to take in the numbers as they are called. The game host calls out numbers at random by drawing out numbered counters or balls from a container, and players have to check off the numbers as they are called, on the card/s they hold. When a bingo pattern is completed, there is a bingo winner.

Online bingo is pretty much the same as the physical version of the game and there are a few cards displayed on the site for the player to choose from. Players will usually be allowed to select three or four cards per game, but some sites offer more leeway in this regard. There is a caller or a display board for each game which displays the number being called, as well as those that have already been called. To secure a win, players compete with each other to complete the pattern specified for the game.

Bingo Patterns

Some patterns are simple and easy to complete, such as the straight line variants. These are the most basic patterns and can be in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction. The "blackout" or "coverall" games are those where the patterns are designed to cover all numbers on the card for the player to win.

Numbers are announced in quick succession, usually 10 seconds apart, so players have to be alert and mark them quickly and accurately on their cards. Some sites have an auto-daub feature, whereby the called numbers are automatically marked off by the system, but for some people using this feature takes much of the fun out of the game. The game continues until one or more players call bingo. When this happens, all the numbers on the cards are verified with those called and the winner is declared.

Advanced Patterns in Bingo

The following are some of the most popular patterns used on bingo sites. The variety and range are limitless, with some games using pre-marked/highlighted patterns on them. There are three basic pattern formats:

• Static or standard bingo patterns. These bingo patterns are essentially static on the Bingo card, and a player wins only when every square of the pattern that is marked/highlighted on the card is checked off.

• Crazy bingo patterns. Here the patterns can be formed in any direction and it is permissable for the player to form the pattern in 90° rotations, upright, horizontal (pointing right or left), or inverted.

• Wild bingo patterns. Here the patterns are scattered over the card.

Conclusion

Interest in the age-old game of bingo has been revived thanks to the explosion of internet gaming. The better online bingo sites not only create new and interesting variants of the game through the use of modern technology but also foster a spirit of cameraderie through the provision of interactive chat rooms. These offer the users the potential to make new friends and keep the regulars coming back for more games, camaraderie and prizes. Whatever game you find the most appealing, always be sure to gamble within your own financial limits.