Like the name suggests, the object of icebreaker bingo is to break the ice between different people. The game is played using icebreaker bingo cards, which are needed in the same quantity as the number of people playing. Icebreaker bingo is generally played at parties and other social settings where the host has to introduce a large number of people to each other. To break the ice, a game of icebreaker bingo comes very handy. It is entertaining, and results in the guests getting to know quite a bit about each other, all the while having a lot of fun. It is also played in schools and seminars as a means of introducing people to each other.
Icebreaker bingo cards can be prepared by hand, but that often proves to be tedious. Instead, they can be printed or bingo card maker software can be utilized. A typical icebreaker bingo card consists of 25 (5×5) blocks, or 36 (6×6) blocks. The blocks are even-sized. In every block, a tidbit about the person is written by the host, such as – “went bungee jumping in New Zealand”, or “loves listening to the Killers”. These small bits of information reveal interesting aspects of a one’s personality, and also lead to the people discovering the things they have in common. As a precaution, it is always better to keep some extra icebreaker cards in hand.
While playing the game, the guests have to fill in their cards by asking each other the questions written in the blocks. For instance, a person puts forth the question – “Who loves listening to the Killers?” He/she will then fill in the name of the person who admits to liking the Killers, in that particular block. In this way, a game of icebreaker bingo enables a bunch of random people to get to know each other, and kick-starts conversations. Because of the jovial nature of the game, getting to know a person is more fun, and less awkward.
An icebreaker bingo game can be made more interesting by offering prizes to the winner. The game is won by the person who manages to strike out a straight line of five items on their card. This line can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. Each person has to get up, talk about themselves, and finally reveal their name. For example, one would say – “Music is in my blood. I love going to concerts, and I especially love watching Coldplay live. It’s nice to meet all of you here tonight. My name’s Veronica.” As the guests talk, the other people identify their names with the tidbits, and the first person to declare “Bingo!” wins the game.
An icebreaker bingo game is an essential aspect of any party as it makes it livelier. It helps break down barriers between people; you will not be sensing any of those awkward silences while playing this fun game. The longer the game, the higher is the level of fun. You can almost watch the ice dissipating while playing a game of icebreaker bingo!
Tags: bingo, bingo cards, ice breaker
