Can you Add More Fun- Bingo Terms
Bingo is a favourite game for many people across the world. Simple to pick up, it can be played by players of a wide range of ages, with the common goal in mind to match up numbers and hopefully get to the lucky jackpot.
When playing Bingo certain terms are used and is adopted by players to use them in accomplishing multiple purposes. The first purpose is to relay information about the game without having to provide a lengthy explanation. The second is to create a sense of community that keeps the uninitiated at an arm’s length.
Here you will find some Bingo terms that are used in gaming halls around the globe though some regional difference will be there to find. Learning and remembering these terms, you can walk into a bingo hall and interact with even the most seasoned of players.
Admission Packet
In order to gain admission into a bingo hall, a player is required to buy a packet with a certain number of tickets. While these packages differ from location to location, it’s common to receive a packet with anywhere from three to six standard bingo tickets and few more for special games.
Bingo
In the U.S. version, a winning player is often required to yell “Bingo” when they’ve met the requirements for victory. If you’re an American player, this is one of the most important pieces of bingo terminology. Of course, it’s also used as the name of the game throughout much of the world.
Bingo Board
As the bingo numbers are drawn and announced, they are displayed on an electronic board visible throughout the hall.
Blackout
In order to be declared the winner in this game, the player must cover every space on the bingo ticket. It’s also referred to as “coverall.”
Blower
A device containing all the bingo balls to be used in a game. Air is blown into the compartment with the balls, and then a single ball is forced out at random to be announced to the players.
Bonanza Bingo
Often held as the 13th game at a bingo hall, this progressive version of Blackout requires players to mark off every spot on their ticket in order to win the jackpot. An additional fee is usually charged to play the game, and the jackpot often rolls over each week until someone wins it.
Bubble
The minimum number of balls required to win a game. The bubble on a single line game, for example, would be five.
Buy-In
This term refers to the number of bingo tickets you buy at the beginning of a session. It’s also known as an admission packet.
Caller
The individual who announces the numbers for each bingo game. In some bingo halls, an automated caller is used.
Card
The paper card that players use to participate in a game of bingo. These cards traditionally have five columns, with each column having a letter at the top (which spell out “BINGO”). The middle of the card has a free space, which gives even the unluckiest of players a single space to work with. The numbers on each card are randomized, and the cards sold for a specific session are always different.
Chat Room
A popular feature at online bingo halls, chat rooms take the form of a small box that appears on the screen. Players may chat with one another during a game, and it’s not uncommon for virtual friendships to be formed.
Consolation Prize
During certain games, this prize may be awarded if a winner hasn’t been declared within a specific number of balls.
Dauber
The tool used to mark off your ticket at brick-and-mortar bingo halls. Daubers can be purchased at the facility and are essentially ink pens with a foam tip (different colours are sometimes available). Online players can sometimes use a virtual dauber, although many Internet bingo halls automatically mark the card for the customer. It’s also sometimes known as a marker.
Early Bird Game
This refers to games that take place earlier than normal. Some halls offer discounts on early bird games.
“Eyes Down”
A phrase used by the caller to let players know that a game is about to begin.
False Alarm
When a player mistakenly calls bingo. In the case of a “falsie,” the player believes they have a legitimate win.
Free Space
Also known as the “blank,” this is a free square in the middle of your bingo card or ticket.
Hard Way Bingo
This term is used when the player forms a winning pattern without the use of the free space.
Housie
The version of bingo that’s popular in Australia and New Zealand. Instead of yelling “Bingo” after a win, the player normally yells “Housie.”
Jackpot
The prize that’s offered to the first player to meet the requirements for winning during a game.
Jumping the Gun
This happens when a player announces their win before having a valid bingo.
Pattern
In order to win a game of bingo, you’ll need to mark off the required pattern on your ticket or card. This might be as simple as a line, or it might be a more complicated shape. In some cases, all spaces on the ticket must be removed to achieve a win.
Ready
When a player is one space away from winning. It’s also known as “down,” “set,” “waiting,” and “cased.”
Ticket
Sometimes used instead of bingo cards, especially in the UK. Tickets have 27 spaces with three rows and nine columns. There are five numbers on each row, as well as four blank spaces. Usually sold in strips of six.
Some of these Bingo terms can be practised and some are simple to understand. It is important for a player to know of such terminology as it has a advantage in playing Bingo game and winning! Any other you know share it!!
