Tambola Rules You Must Know before playing Tambola Game

Tambola Rules: Rules that Every Player Must Know Before Playing Tambola Game

Tambola is very interesting game that many people play in their free time to get rid off boredom. This game is also known as Housie, Bingo, Tombola in other parts of world and played by every age people on different occasions, events, or festivals. Like other games,  this game has some rules which makes it thrilling and interesting. So to make you familiar with Tambola game, we come up with Tambola Rules guide, which will help you to understand how this game is played.

When you play Tambola online or offline, it is very important to understand there are certain rules so that you not only enjoy the game but also increase your chances of winning. Below we have covered all rules of Tambola that every player or a beginner should know before starting the game.

1. What is Tambola

Tambola is a numbers-based game which is played with help of tickets… sometimes also called board & ticket based game. This game has a board (used by host) on which numbers from 1 to 90 are printed, while on the other hands there are some tickets (used by players) on which 15 numbers are printed.

Each tambola ticket has 3 rows and 9 columns and there 15 number are printed. These tickets (range can be 50 or 100 or 200), are distributed to players.

Now to choose lucky winners, the host picks a random number, shows it to all players and mark it on the Tambola table. The goal of the players is to match the numbers on their ticket with the numbers called out. As all numbers match on ticket, players notify to host and win various prizes.

The rules of Tambola are somewhat simple, but the different game formats and prize methods make it even more fun.

2. Tambola Ticket Pattern

A Tambola ticket has 3 rows and 9 columns and each row has 5 numbers, making a total of 15 numbers on a ticket as show in image. These numbers can be one after other or can be appeared after 1 gap or 2 gap.  The numbers range are from 1 to 90 and they all are placed column-wise as each column has a specific number range:

  1. First Column: 1 to 10
  2. Second Column: 11 to 20
  3. Third Column: 21 to 30
  4. Fourth Column: 31 to 40
  5. Fifth Column: 41 to 50
  6. Sixth Column: 51 to 60
  7. Seventh Column: 61 to 70
  8. Eighth Column: 71 to 80
  9. Ninth Column: 81 to 90

3. Game Process

In Tambola, there is a ‘Caller’ or sometimes also called a ‘Host’ or ‘Operator’ who draws numbers randomly from a bucket and tells them to the players. Players mark the number on their ticket if it is on the ticket. The game continues until a player declares that he has completed a specific prize.

While playing the game, make sure that the numbers are crossed out with a light pen or pencil or sketch-pen. Do not use any dark colour ink, the number should appear as expected so that it can be cross-checked by the host at the time of prize receipt.

4. Ways to Win and Prizes

tambola ticket - an overview of all type of patterns

As per the Tambola’s rules, there are different types of prizes that players can win. These prizes depend on the kind of numbers you mark on your ticket. In short, there is no single winner, there can be multiple winners and they are all decided based on who completes which pattern first before others

Let’s have a look at some of the major prizes:

4.1 Early Five

Early five means first 5 numbers in any row. If caller calls 1, 17, 58, 65, 33 one by one and if these numbers appear in your Tambola ticket then you will be the winner. It doesn’t matter in which row the numbers are…, the numbers should be in the ticket and don’t forget to mark them!

Similarly, if the caller says 28, 81, 37, 17, 46, and if these numbers are on the ticket, as per the Early five pattern… the player will be the winner and claim the prize.

4.2 Top/Middle/Bottom Line

If a player is the first to mark all the numbers of the first row, he wins the top line. Similarly, there is a middle line and bottom line for the second and third rows.

4.3 Corners

Corners are won when the player is the first to mark the numbers in all the four corners (top-left, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-right) of his ticket. As shown in the image, 1, 4, 77 and 85 are the corner numbers and whoever strike off these corner number first… he will be a winner of this pattern.

4.4 Full House

Full House is the biggest prize of Tambola. To win it, the player has to mark all 15 numbers on his ticket. The player who wins the full house is usually considered the winner of the game.

To make this game simply, the kids or teen only follow one patter and in that… mark off all 15 numbers. And those who first mark off all numbers will be the winner of game.

5. Rules of calling

In the Tambola game, the role of the caller is very important. The announcement of numbers by the caller should be clear and slow so that all the players can hear and mark the numbers correctly on their Ticket. If any player misses a number, he should ask the caller to repeat the number.

So here, the host first picks the number from a bucket, then he shouts and shows the number to all players and wait for few seconds. Now before calling next number, the host mark that number on Tambola table.

The host’s job is to verify all these numbers when someone claims a prize.

6. Tips to avoid cheating

Tambola is a game that needs honesty and transparency. Though this game is played live in front of public but still there are some points that are important to avoid cheating:

  • The caller should draw the numbers randomly and avoid any kind of manipulation.
  • Players should mark the numbers correctly on their tickets. Any wrong declaration should be checked immediately.
  • If a player falsely claims to have won a full house or other prize, the caller should check his ticket.

7. Fairness measures

Fairness is very important in Tambola, especially when played at large gatherings or events. Using an accredited and properly functioning Tambola machine or app can ensure that the numbers announced are completely random. So in present time, some apps or auto number generators are used which ensure that the game is fare.

8. Some fun facts about Tambola

The earliest form of Tambola began in Italy in the 16th century to choose luck winners. In the UK it is known as ‘Housie’ while in the US it is called ‘Bingo’.

Different countries and cultures have different versions of Tambola, which may have different rules and methods of winning. Today with the help of some Tambola online websites or apps you can play it online too and enjoy time.

9. Benefits of playing Tambola

Tambola is not only an entertaining game but also a way of mental development. It improves the players’ ability to concentrate and also enhances their calculation skills. Moreover, it is a good bonding tool at social events, as people play while interacting with each other.

10. Tambola Tips and Strategies

Tambola is considered to be purely a game of luck, but there are some proven strategies that can increase your chances of winning. Here’s how you can win the Tambola game and become lucky:

  • Stay focused: In this game, activeness is very important. Be completely alert during the game so that you do not miss any numbers and once you complete a pattern, notify the host immediately .
  • Evenly divided tickets: Some players suggest that if you have multiple tickets, there should be an equal distribution of numbers on them to increase your chances of winning. You can buy more than 1 tickets, and play the game and win prizes. As per Tambola rules, you can buy more than 1 ticket.
  • Play balanced: Tambola is a form of entertainment, so play it relaxed and do not pay too much attention to it. Just listen number, and mark it off on the ticket. It is a fun-loving entertaining game, so play with calm!

Conclusion

Tambola is an easy, fun and exciting game that everyone can play. But if you understand the rules properly before playing it, the enjoyment of the game doubles. Tambola not only gives you a chance to win, but it also strengthens social relationships. The next time you play Tambola, keep these rules in mind and make your game a success!

Is there anything we missed? If you have any question regarding Tambola game, please let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share it with others!

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *