How to Play 75-Ball Bingo: Cards, Patterns and Tips

By Nesim Razon, independent Android developer

75-ball Bingo is easy to learn and quick to play. Numbers are called one by one, you mark them on a 5x5 card and you call Bingo when you complete the goal pattern. This guide explains the card, the patterns and a few habits that help you win more rounds.

The card

A Bingo card is a 5x5 grid with the letters B, I, N, G and O above the columns. Each column has its own number range: B holds 1 to 15, I holds 16 to 30, N holds 31 to 45, G holds 46 to 60 and O holds 61 to 75.

The centre square is a free star. It counts as already marked, so you never have to wait for it.

How the draw works

The numbers 1 to 75 are drawn in random order, each once. Every draw comes with its letter, for example G 46, which tells you which column to check. Look for the number in that column only, then mark it if you have it. That habit makes you much faster.

The four goal patterns

• Line: five in a row, horizontally, vertically or on either diagonal.
• 4 corners: the four corner squares of the card.
• X: both diagonals marked.
• Full card: every square marked.

Before each round you know which pattern is the goal. The first player to complete it and call Bingo wins the round. Smaller patterns end quickly, and the full card takes the longest.

Choosing how many cards

You can play one to four cards. One card is relaxed and good for learning. Four cards give you more chances every time a number is drawn, but you have to scan four grids. Increase the number only when you can still mark every number before the next ball.

Tips to win more rounds

• Use the letter. Check only the column that was called, and your eyes find the number sooner.
• Think about the goal pattern. For 4 corners, only the corner numbers matter, so you can ignore the rest of the card.
• Watch how many squares you still need. When you are one away, get ready to press the call button.
• Call as soon as you qualify. If another player calls first, they take the round.
• Keep an eye on the rivals' counters. They show how close each rival is to calling.

Playing Tombalings Bingo

In Tombalings you play 75-ball Bingo against three friendly rivals. You tap a drawn number to mark it on your card and press the big button when the pattern is complete. Auto-mark and auto-call are optional, and drawn but unmarked numbers softly pulse so you do not miss one. Rounds are worth more points the harder the pattern is, from line up to the full card. It is just for fun: there is no real money and no betting.