The Game Of Chance And Strategy Called Bingo
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios

Looking for an exciting game of chance that allows you certain liberties for some strategizing as well? Then, look no further as all you have to do is to shout BINGO!

Indeed, Bingo is an ages-old pastime that has never lost its allure. The mechanics of the game are simple. Each player will be given a 5 x 5 grid card, with the letters B, I, N, G and O assigned for each column. Numbers are then drawn in random, usually as balls from a bottle-basket with an opening that would only allow the exit of one ball. Every time a number is drawn, it will be assigned to a letter, and both details will be mentioned aloud. The player would then have to cross out the number in the column under the said letter that appears on his card. This will go on and on until a certain combination is met.

Once a combination is attained, the games become a race to shout the word - you guessed it - "bingo!"

For example, you have a 5 x 5 grid card. If the caller draws the number 23 under the letter N, and if your grid card has the same number under the letter N, you'd have to cross out the same.

You'd have to do this every time the caller calls a number under a certain letter that corresponds to your own card. The objective of the game is to have your numbers crossed out until they achieve a given pattern.

There are many possible patterns that can be played in a bingo game. These are:

* Blackout - this refers to a pattern where all the numbers are crossed out. It is also called a Full Card and Cover All in some circles.
* Single Line - this consist of a horizontal or vertical line of 5 grids that have been blacked out.
* Double Line - same as the above pattern, only, two lines are required to win.
* Y-Pattern - this refers to grids that are blacked out to form a Y-shape on the 5 x 5 grid card.
* Center Cross - this consists of two lines that converge at the very middle of the card. These lines may be diagonal, or horizontal and vertical.
* Square - there are many varieties of the square pattern. It may be a full square that covers the outer columns and rows of the card. Or it may be an inner square covering a 4 x 4 grid. Or it may even be a roving square covering a smaller 3 x 3 grid.
* Diamond/Kite - this is a pattern that is shaped like a diamond or a kite, and is formed on a 3 x 3 grid.

Depending on the rules of the game, the player should shout the word "bingo" once a pattern is met. Acceptable patterns are provided for before the start of every game. There are even some bingo games that allow every known pattern, only the prizes would be higher if the more difficult pattern is attained. This is where the strategic component of the game comes to play. Should you hold out for a blackout at the risk of having another player cash in on a simpler pattern? Or should you rush your card into a simpler pattern to beat other players who are waiting for the opportunity to cash in on bigger payouts?

BIG Mike is a well known author, developer and Adsense expert as well as the owner of Niche Maniacs - a unique Adsense Marketing System designed to build long-term passive income streams from Adsense, Amazon, YPN, Chitika and other PPC services.