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Spicing up corner patterns
Not all bingo games play the traditional line pattern of five covered numbers in a row. To keep bingo from getting boring, you can play dozens of different cover patterns. Some commonly used patterns include
Four corners: You cover the four corners of the card.
Checkers: You cover alternating squares - like a checkerboard.
Letters: You cover squares to create the shapes of letters, such as “E,” “S,” and “T.”
Some of these complex patterns are more challenging to track if you’re playing multiple cards. As an aid, the rules of the game allow you to premark your card with a different colored marker or a pencil - just sketch or outline the pattern you need in order to win. Then use the regular blotter to mark the called numbers. And always remember to mark your free square before you begin every game! However, the newer computerized versions of bingo typically display the current game pattern on a big screen behind the caller. So if you’re ever confused, just snatch a quick peek there for reference.
If that still sounds too challenging, then I suggest you throw away the marking pen and go to a club that offers newer high-tech versions of bingo. For example, some Casino has computer monitors as an option for players. These monitors automatically track all of your games, mark the numbers as they’re hit, and alert you when you win. It also has customized options to increase the fun, such as using diamonds or hearts to mark your numbers, or allowing you to watch TV or play solitaire on the screen while the computer keeps track of all your Bingo games.
