Bingo has an almost limitless number of patterns. For a bingo player familiarity with some of the most common bingo patterns is very helpful because many new players don’t even realize that they have a bingo pattern till its too late. To complicate matters, since many players choose to play multiple cards at each game spotting the pattern is more difficult. Also each game can have many patterns that are considered as valid bingos. Therefore Familiarity with the different patterns and also if possible their nomenclature definitely helps. Patterns also need not be confined to a single playing card but may extend to multiple cards.

Most common among patterns are the straight-line patterns. In this case all straight lines are considered valid, provided they cover five numbers. The straight-line patterns include vertical lines, horizontal lines, and diagonals. The bingo game can include single straight lines, or double and triple straight lines. In the double and triple straight-line games, one can win the bingo with a combination of any of the straight lines.

Another variation of the line pattern is called as the line combo patterns. These are essentially similar to the double and triple straight line patters the only exception being the winning patterns are preset. Thus a “railway roads” may include two vertical or two horizontal lines, the asterisk would include two diagonals, one vertical and one horizontal etc. Other common patterns include the alphabet patterns, lucky even patterns and diamond patterns. Coverall patterns are very common in progressive jackpots.

The idea is that a player should blackout all the numbers in the bingo card. If this is not possible and no person is able to blackout all the numbers in the card, the jackpot is rolled over to the next game and the players start with the new game. Speedball is a faster version of this game wherein the caller rapidly calls out the numbers and the players try to keep up. The challenge is to keep track of the number among the multiple cards being played. Another variation is to play only the odd numbers or the even numbers, the idea being a person who first crosses out all the odd/even numbers in the card get the bingo prize.

Apart from those patterns mentioned here, other patterns which are often used are the snake patterns, castle patterns, kite or arrow patterns, postage stamp patterns and picture frame patterns. These in themselves form generic names to more unique patterns formulated by each bingo hall, or online bingo site. Clearly an unfamiliarity with the patterns is a huge disadvantage to the novice player, and practice plays a huge factor in increasing the odds.