The immensely appreciated game of Bingo is not just popular among adults. An interesting version of the game, Multiplication Bingo has been specially created for the tiny tots. Now, while you play your favorite game of Bingo at a friend’s party, you need not worry about your children trying to disturb your game as long as you keep them busy with their version of the Bingo. Unlike its cousin, Multiplication Bingo is not entirely based on the factor of luck. As a matter of fact, it does involve some skill too. The game can be used as a brilliant exercise to help your children or students with multiplication tables.
Bingo Cards
Just like the original Bingo, each player is given a card which consists of a certain number of squares, each holding a number. The number of squares used in each card can be either 9 or 16 or 25, depending on the level of difficulty. The number written on each square can be depicted using pictures, for example the number 6 can be represented by drawing 6 circles in the square. For slightly advanced players, who are familiar with multiplication tables, the numbers are represented as the product of two different numbers separated by an ‘x’. For example, ‘35’ is written as ‘7 x 5’ in the square. For even more advanced grade students, a combination of the above two methods can be used to depict numbers on the square. For example, ‘42’ can be represented by drawing 6 circles, with each of the circle having the number ‘7’ written in them, which stands for 6 times 7, which equals 42.
Rules
The rules of the game are quite simple. A guiding teacher or parent is required to conduct the game, while as many children can participate. The host, after distributing bingo cards to each player, will proceed with calling out the numbers. Since there are some numbers which do not have more than two multiples, there is no point in including such numbers. Such numbers should be separated before mixing all the number cards meant for calling. The numbers should be called at slightly long intervals, as the players will require some time to mark the called numbers due to the multiplication it involves. Also, players are allowed to mark more than one square (if present) which contains the same number with different multiples. For example, if the number 36 is called, players will have to look for ‘6 x 6’, ‘9 x 4’ and ’12 x 3’ in the same card. This requires quite some time, hence it will not be advisable to rush through the numbers like the adult version of this game.
Winner
The winner of Multiplication Bingo is decided on the same basis as for the regular Bingo. A player who has all the numbers in a straight horizontal, vertical or diagonal line as marked will have to call out ‘Bingo’ or ‘Mingo’ in this case. Once, all the numbers on his/her Bingo card are verified by the host, he/she is declared as the winner.
The Free Bingo Hall will tell you much more of other bingo gaming options as well.
