As with any other game or sport, there are always certain words and terminologies that are coined by the players. These words will later catch on to other players and some of the words might even be used as a legitimate terminology to describe something that’s related to the game.
If you’re playing bingo with other well experienced players, chances are, you won’t be able to understand what they’re talking about in the game. In order to understand the game better and fit in the bingo crowd easier, here is a guide on some terms that bingo players use. Learn them so that next time you won’t be lost whenever they’re talking about certain terminologies.
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o Admission Packet – represents the minimum number of cards that needs to be purchased by a player in order to enter a bingo hall. Each packet usually contains 3 – 6 cards.
o Auto purchase – an online bingo term. Refers to the feature in which a bingo program will automatically buy a bingo card for a specific player at the end of each game.
o Being Ready – refers to someone who needs just one number in order to win the game
o Bingo Board – electronic billboard that displays all the numbers drawn and called.
o Bingo Books – refers to a stack of bingo cards bound together which is used at every bingo game.
o Bingo Card – the card that you need to have before playing bingo. Each column is named after the 5 letters of BINGO. The middle space is usually free.
o Blackout – pattern in which all the numbers in your bingo card needs to be marked in order to be a winner.
o Breaking the Bubble – the term bubble refers to the maximum number of balls that are required to complete a bingo pattern. For example, if the bingo calls for a straight vertical line, the minimum numbers that have to be called out in order to win the game is 5. Breaking the bubble means that you have completed all 5 numbers in the straight line pattern.
o Falsie – happens when someone calls ‘BINGO!’ but is mistaken. Reasons for this might be marking the wrong number, or mishearing the numbers. Other terms for this are bongo or social error.
o Forwards/Backwards – represents all numbers which are beginning or ending with the wild number. For example, if the drawn number is 44, all numbers which are beginning or ending with 4 is also considered a called number.
o Jumping the Gun – refers to someone who yells ‘BINGO!’ even if the person does not have the winning pattern.
o Standard – one drawn number which represents all numbers who are ending with a number that’s the same as the second digit to the drawn number. For example, if the standard is 23, all numbers in the bingo card ending in 3 (including the number 3 itself) is considered a called number and you can mark it on your bingo card.
o Wild Numbers – these numbers give bingo players the opportunity to start with multiple called numbers.
Now you know the different terms that experts use when playing bingo. What are you waiting for? Head to the nearest bingo hall or log online to your favorite gaming site and start playing!
