Bingo is one of the nation’s favourite pastimes, and in recent years it has become extremely popular online too. Although when you play online at sites like Slingo you’re unlikely to be playing a game with a real-life bingo caller, in bingo halls they remain an important part of the game.
A bingo caller with charisma and a sense of humour can make all the difference to a bingo game, and you may be surprised to hear that celebrities like Gary Barlow and Russell Crowe were bingo callers before they were famous!
Whether you’re curious about what makes a great bingo caller or you’re thinking of hosting a bingo night at home, in this blog we’re going to share some of our top tips.
Keep reading for a crash course in how to bingo call.
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Preparation Is Key
Before each game starts, there are a few things every good bingo caller should do:
Get familiar with the game
This one may seem obvious, but it’s important for both bingo callers and players. There are many different types of bingo with different rules and prizes – for example, 30 ball bingo usually only has one prize for a full house, whereas 90 ball bingo typically has prizes for one line, two line and full house.
By having a clear understanding of the rules of the specific game they’re playing, players and bingo callers are likely to have a smooth gaming (or hosting) experience.
Know a few bingo calls
One of our favourite things about bingo culture is the bingo calls – from classics like ‘legs eleven: number 11’ to more modern calls like ‘Wills and Kate: 88’, the rhyming slang bingo calls are sure to make you chuckle.
Professional bingo callers will already be familiar with the calls for each number, but if you want to give bingo calling a go at home it’s a good idea to have a list of common bingo calls to refer to.
At the Beginning of the Game
Here are some tips bingo callers should follow to get bingo games off to a good start:
Introduce yourself
If it’s your first time playing the role of bingo caller it’s normal to feel a little nervous. However, don’t forget the basics and remember to introduce yourself before the game starts! Even if you’re playing with friends at home, it can be fun to create a bingo caller alter ego. By creating a good rapport with the players, it’s more likely that you will all have a great bingo experience.
Check that everyone can hear you
There’s nothing worse than not being able to hear the bingo caller. Real bingo callers may have a microphone, but if you’re playing at home make sure you’re speaking clearly so that no-one feels left out.
Explain the rules
A good bingo caller will ensure that everyone playing the game is clear about the rules. It’s a good idea to mention what time the game will start, how many balls are in play, how many prizes are up for grabs, and their value. They should also remind players that they must shout ‘bingo’ if they complete a line or a full house.
Top Tips for Bingo Callers
Here are a few more of our top tips on how to call bingo numbers:
Leave enough time for people to mark off numbers
Since the bingo caller isn’t marking off numbers themselves, it can be tempting for them to jump ahead too quickly. However, it’s important to leave about 10 - 20 seconds for everyone to look at their cards and find any matching numbers. You’ll soon know when everyone is ready, as they’ll probably start looking at you!
Be confident
Bingo callers are also the hosts of the game, and they are in control of how it is played. Bingo players respond best to callers who are confident and assertive without being too bossy. Remember that it’s up to the bingo caller to manage the game and decide what happens if two people call bingo at the same time, or if someone forgot to call bingo and realised later on.
Have fun
Our last tip is perhaps our most important. Bingo is a form of entertainment that should be fun for everyone - including the bingo caller. If the bingo caller is having a good time and creating a positive atmosphere, everyone else is likely to have a great experience too.
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