The Many Games of Bingo

The saying goes that variety is the spice of life; repeating the same old thing becomes monotonous. Luckily for the scores of people that play bingo online or at the bingo hall, the bingo providers and game houses realise this, which is precisely why they offer so many different games. Here is a run-down of some of the more popular games that can be found in any bingo house across the land.

Blackout/Coverall – This is essentially the American label for what we Brits understand as a "full house", covering all the bingo numbers on the five-by-five grid that is used in the 75-ball game.

Bonanza Bingo – Normally played in game number 13 of each session, Bonanza Bingo is a progressive jackpot that requires a blackout to win (see above). Balls are drawn before the session begins, and one extra-ball is called after each session, rolling the jackpot over for another week (or until the next designated session).

Lucky Jar - A container that is designated a lucky number and holds cash as one of the prizes, which is usually won if a player reaches bingo on the lucky number. The Lucky Jar round is always announced before the session begins, and is also known as the Cookie Jar.

Speed Bingo – It is thought that speed bingo was introduced to quicken the game, making it more attractive to younger players. As the name suggests, the numbers are drawn rapidly using cards of a smaller size, meaning that as few as three numbers can make bingo.

Table Board Bingo - Table Board Bingo is an event that runs alongside the bingo main event – effectively playing two games simultaneously. Usually seeking a pre-specified pattern, players who have purchased the Table Board Card mark the numbers on both this card and the regular bingo card of the main game.

Texas Blackout – Again aimed at adding spice to a game (it is usually provided in the form of a bingo side game rather than the main attraction), the luck of the Texas draw really comes when the first number is called. If it is even, all the other even numbers are covered. If the first number is odd, all the odd numbers are covered. The game then proceeds as normal until one player achieves a blackout.