Bingo game variant rules. Let’s play with fun rules that are different from the usual!
When you think of bingo, you probably picture a party game played with bingo cards and a bingo machine.
It’s an easy game everyone can enjoy, so you often see it at year-end and New Year parties, local events, and wedding after-parties!
However, because it’s a repetitive process—balls come out of the machine and you punch holes in your card—it can surprisingly start to feel a bit stale.
In this article, we’ll introduce some fun variations on the standard bingo rules.
We’ve gathered a variety of twist rules: some that help break the ice when many participants are meeting for the first time, and others that are especially fun when played among close friends.
Use these as inspiration, and enjoy a great time together!
- DIY ideas for bingo cards
- Party games collection that get everyone excited in a big group
- Simple yet exciting! Recommended games and activities for year-end parties
- [For Senior Care Facilities] Fun Bingo Game Ideas That Also Work as Brain Training
- Simple mini-games that liven up a party
- Ideas for team-based games to enliven a party
- Drinking party crowd-pleasers: party and banquet games
- Fun quizzes that liven up the party. Quizzes everyone can enjoy.
- [Talk Theme] Liven up the drinking party! A roundup of funny questions
- Office party games that get everyone excited
- [For Seniors] Have Fun! A Collection of Group Game Recreation Ideas
- Exciting! Recreational Activities to Enjoy at a Christmas Party
- Games for two people to enjoy. A roundup of party games that liven up drinking gatherings.
Bingo game variant rules. Let’s play with fun rules different from the usual! (1–10)
9-square bingo
“9-Square Bingo” uses a blank bingo card with nine squares.
In this version, players can write any numbers they like, so it’s a better test of luck.
Dedicated cards are available for purchase, but you can also make your own at home.
Be sure to announce the number range in advance, such as 1–50.
Make sure all numbers are different so there are no duplicates.
Bingo games can tend to run long, but with 9-Square Bingo, you can finish quickly if you narrow the number range.
Reverse bingo
When it comes to bingo, whether the called number is on your card can make or break the game.
The more called numbers you have on your card, the higher your chances of getting bingo.
But in this “Reverse Bingo,” the last person to get bingo wins.
Normally, you’d be disappointed if the called number isn’t on your card, but in Reverse Bingo, that’s cause for celebration.
If you’re looking to try a different kind of bingo, why not give Reverse Bingo a try? The only downside is that it can take a bit of time, so it’s best when you have some to spare.
Couples Bingo
Couples Bingo is played using numbers related to the husband and numbers related to the wife.
One person can hold the card and you can split into a questioner and an answerer, or both spouses can each hold a card and take turns asking questions.
However, you can only punch a hole in the card when your partner answers correctly to a question you asked.
Try asking a variety of questions like, “How old were you when you got married?” or “What is the sum of the month and day of your birthday?” It’s a bit challenging because you have to come up with questions based on the numbers on the card, but it’s a fun game that lets you reaffirm your bond as a couple.
Bingo game variant rules. Let’s play with fun, unusual rules! (11–20)
Guess-Your-Good-Points Bingo Game
The “Guess-Your-Strengths Bingo” game is played in pairs.
First, on your own bingo card, write down the good qualities you think your partner has.
Once you’re done, take turns announcing the strengths you think your partner believes you have, aiming to complete bingo on your partner’s card.
It can feel a bit embarrassing, but since the strengths you see in yourself often differ from what others notice, it’s a great chance to discover a new side of yourself.
Plus, as the game progresses, you’ll naturally end up praising each other, which helps deepen your bond!
Streams
Streams is a game where victory is determined by total points rather than aiming for bingo.
You create a deck from number cards, decide the turn order, and then each player flips one card at a time.
Write the revealed number into a designated box on your scoresheet, trying to place numbers in ascending order as much as possible.
It’s tricky because you don’t know which number will come next, but try to consider the magnitude as you write.
The game ends when all boxes are filled.
You then calculate how many consecutive boxes form ascending sequences and compete based on the total score.
Alphabet Bingo
You can start playing from around age 3! Here are some ideas for Alphabet Bingo.
You’ll need bingo cards and a set of cards with one letter of the alphabet on each.
To play, draw one alphabet card and call it out loud.
If the called letter is on your bingo card, place a chip on it.
When your chips line up vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, you’ve got bingo! Once you’re used to the basic rules, try variations like matching with pictures or playing in a karuta-style game.
In conclusion
We’ve compiled and introduced a lot of fun bingo rule variations.
There were all kinds—from ones you can play with a big group to ones for just two people, and from versions that are great with close friends to ones that work well with people you’re meeting for the first time.
Be sure to choose the rules that catch your interest and match the situation and the people you’ll be playing bingo with!