Bingo Patterns: Diagrams, Chances, Game Length
Every pattern below has a diagram, the number of squares it needs, the chance one card completes it by each call and how many calls the first winner needs with 10, 30 or 100 cards. All figures are computed for 75-ball cards with a free center.
Updated
Shapes
Numbers
Pictures and holidays
Calling a pattern game
A pattern is the set of squares a player must cover to win. Announce it before the first call and show the diagram, because players who do not know the shape mark the wrong squares and claim false wins. Patterns that include the free center need one number fewer than the diagram shows.
The fewer squares a pattern needs, the sooner someone wins. On a single 75-ball card the last of four specific numbers arrives on average at call 60.8, so four corners alone takes most of a game for one player, while 30 cards in play bring the first winner much earlier. Each pattern page gives the exact chance of finishing by call 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 and the simulated first-winner call for 10, 30 and 100 cards, so you can match the pattern to the time you have.
Building an evening from several patterns
Most hosts run a short pattern first, such as a single line or four corners, then a shape in the middle of the session and a blackout last, so the longest game ends the night. Seasonal pictures suit themed parties: a pumpkin, a witch hat, a ghost or a bat for Halloween, a Christmas tree, a bell, a candy cane or a snowflake for December, and a heart in February. Letter patterns let you spell a short word across several rounds. Keep one card set for the whole session and let players clear their markers between games.