Winning patterns for bingo have expanded considerably in recent years. There are now hundreds of patterns that can lead to a winning card, but the patterns you use will depend on which variation of bingo you’re playing.
There’s nothing wrong with picking any online bingo game that catches your eye, but it’s far better to gain familiarity with a few common patterns before you dive in. Every pattern has different odds, so the more you know about them, the easier it will be to understand your odds of winning.
Versions of Bingo
Before exploring the most common patterns, it’s important to note that there are two main types of bingo: 75-ball bingo and 90-ball bingo. The 75-ball version has been covered before, but the major difference is that 75-ball bingo is used in the U.S., while 90-ball bingo originated in the U.K.
Both versions use cards with numbers arranged in a grid pattern, but the grid patterns differ in some significant ways. For example, most U.S. games use a 5×5 grid with a blank central square, whereas the U.K. version has a 3×9 grid with four empty spots and five numbers in each row.
75-ball bingo can be played with one card, but you can purchase several cards/tickets per round. The 90-ball version tends to use strips of six cards per round, with each card containing a random combination of numbers.
Grid size and ball count can influence bingo winning patterns, depending on where you’re playing and which version you prefer. But there are still standard patterns that apply to all versions, such as single-line wins, for example.
Different Bingo Games You Can Play
While 90-ball bingo and 75-ball bingo are the two main variations of this game, there are a few different bingo games and patterns you could also try.
Speed Bingo (30-Ball Bingo)
While not as common as the other bingo variations, speed bingo is available at some bingo halls and online casinos. The gaming cards for 30-ball bingo only have nine numbers in a 3×3 grid. If you’re looking for a different kind of thrill from your regular bingo games, this fast-paced version may be for you. With so few balls to play in one game and a grand prize for the full house winner, speed bingo offers a level of thrill and excitement that the more drawn-out games can struggle to match.
80-Ball Bingo
Created especially for online players, this bingo variation is consistently gaining popularity. To win, players must mark off a complete row in the pattern shown on the 4×4 card. Every column has its own number range, just like 75-ball bingo (for example, row one will contain numbers 1–20, row two will contain numbers 21–40 and so on.
Slingo
This is a hybrid game that melds together elements of bingo and slot machines. It features a game board resembling a 5×5 bingo card, where players mark off numbers as they are randomly drawn. However, instead of the numbers being drawn by a caller, you spin a slot reel to reveal the numbers. Slingo games can also include various symbols, like a gold coin or joker, that indicate that you have won an in-game bonus or an instant prize. The prize could be a free spin or even the chance to mark off a number of your choice from your card.
Traditional Bingo Patterns
The most well-known bingo pattern is a single line of marked numbers. Both the U.S. and U.K. versions use one-line patterns, but only horizontal lines count as winning combinations in 90-ball bingo. In 75-ball, a filled line can go in any direction, be it horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
There are only three ways to win 90-ball bingo: a one-line win, a double-line win and a full house. A one-line win is a single row of matching numbers, and a double-line win is two horizontal lines that make a double bingo pattern. A full house, also known as a blackout, is when all numbers on a ticket are marked off.
On top of line wins and full house bonuses, 75-ball bingo has a wide range of preset patterns that can lead to a win. This is when the player has to form specific shapes on their card, such as letters and symbols, for instance.
Of these two games, there is more of a variety of winning patterns in 75-ball bingo.. 90-ball may have fewer winning patterns, but that doesn’t mean it’s less compelling. In fact, the slower pace makes it great for newcomers and players who prefer a more traditional format.
You’ll find that most bingo rooms use the 75-ball format when you play bingo online. The lower ball count makes games quicker and easier to play, with more prizes and bonuses. The best online bingo games feature a diverse mix of winning patterns.
Modern Patterns
Today’s bingo games provide many options in terms of winning patterns. Over and above the regular bingo patterns, there are letter patterns, symbol patterns and geometric patterns. You can even get a win with any four numbers, no matter where those numbers lie on the card itself.
Letter patterns are used in nearly every variation of bingo. They’re formed using specific combos of daubed numbers, with the letters H, X, S, Z, and E being the most common examples you’ll come across.
Symbol patterns can be any shape that fits on a 5×5 grid, from clocks and windmills to arrows and witches’ hats. Geometric patterns include shapes such as pyramids, diamonds and dotted frames. There’s even a pattern called layer cake, where the top, middle and bottom lines are combined to form a three-line win.
This isn’t even to mention four-corner patterns, outside edge patterns or the hundreds of other unique patterns you can find. There’s no need to memorize every pattern out there because the main thing you need to know is that the host decides which patterns are used in any given game.
If you want to learn how to win at bingo, it’s a case of looking into the specifics of the game you’ve decided to play. This will provide you with all the info you need on relevant patterns and ensure that you aren’t trying to find shapes that don’t apply to your chosen game.
The patterns mentioned cover only the most common examples found in the majority of bingo variations. But there are a lot of different bingo game patterns you should know. There are hundreds of variations to choose from, which adds up to thousands of pattern combinations.
Ultimately, bingo in an online casino is a little different to the bingo halls of the past. Winning patterns are a mishmash of classic and new ideas, with each game having its own set of winning symbols, letters and numbers.
Tips and Tricks To Improve Your Chances at Winning Bingo
For the most part, bingo is a game of luck, but there are a few strategies you could use to try and sway the odds in your favor. While there is no way for you to control what numbers are drawn, these tactics could improve your chances of winning.
Keep It Simple
When you’re playing bingo online, especially as a beginner, it is always best to start with the easier combinations that have fewer numbers and slowly work your way up to a more difficult bingo pattern. Look for online casinos that offer simple bingo patterns like five in a row, blackout (full house,) or four corners.
Card Selection
The card you choose can greatly impact your odds. A good rule of thumb is to look for cards with a decent variety of numbers. A card with three numbers in a row (21, 22, 23, for example) is probably not a good choice.
Social Interaction
The social aspect of bingo is one of the game’s most attractive features. Whether you’re playing online or at a bingo hall, interacting with other players not only makes the game more enjoyable, but you can also learn valuable tips and tricks from other players that can improve your game.
Strategic Timing
When you play online bingo, you’re likely going to be going up against a few other players. It’s important to remember that the number of players in an online bingo game isn’t always a factor in the size of the jackpot. If you can, a good rule of thumb is to play bingo during off-peak hours because smaller crowds offer better chances of winning. You will probably have the best odds of winning in the early mornings, weekdays, or sometime around midnight.
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