Bingo is a game which has survived over the years and has remained popular especially for occasions involving a large gathering of people. Since it is a simple game, it is easy to understand and play. Bingo, as a game, has evolved and one finds several variations of the original game. The original game has a thread of gambling linked to it and some people look at the game as a source of little extra money. Another popular name for Bingo is Housie and it is well-liked by the people of UK, Canada, New Zealand and even Australia.
How Do You Play the Game?
The rules of the game are fairly simple where each player is given a small play card which traditionally has three rows and nine columns. Selected grid blocks will contain random numbers ranging from one to one hundred. A player can purchase as many play cards as he/she desires. Each of the bingo cards is unique so that no two players will strike bingo at the same time. The person who is hosting the game is given the title of ‘the caller’ and he / she must pick out small chips with numbers on them. As the caller announces the number, players who have those numbers on their play card can strike them out. Different line combinations will be decided upon to determine who wins the game- like the person who has stricken off all numbers on a certain row, or the first person to strike off any five numbers etc. An important thing a bingo player must remember is to call our “Bingo!” before the caller announces the next number.
Making the Game Interesting
Nowadays, callers have come up with innovative ways of revealing numbers. For example, instead of merely calling out “Number eighty eight”, the caller might say “we have two ladies joining us tonight” or “an unlucky number for some but may be a lucky number for you.Number thirteen!” Thus, the caller can make the game more interesting while gaining a few laughs from the players.
A Family Game
Bingo can be used as a party game especially when the age group of the audience is wide with elderly people as well as children. It is, in essence, a family game which includes one and all. It can also be used as a team game or as an effective ice breaker because the game maintains an easy atmosphere. This may be because it is a well known and well-liked game.
Entertainment for the Elderly
Many think that Bingo is a game reserved for an elderly age group. Several old age homes or communities hold bingo games on a regular basis because it is a game played at a pleasant pace. Bingo also allows them to bond with the other players and provide a friendly environment for them to interact while having fun.
Bingo does not require intellectual thinking, rather necessitates the player to act quickly and remain alert throughout the game.
Entries (RSS)