How to Play Tambola!

Tambola is played on a basic principle. The organizer/caller calls the Number/CUE one at a time and the players need to strike Numbers on their tickets.

Tambola (also called Houzee) can be played in many different ways depending on the competency level of the target audience.

American version of Tambola is called ‘Bingo’ and it is slightly different from Tambola.

Generally, Tambola is played with Numbers 1-90 being called out by 1 person (the caller) and players striking out those Numbers on their Tickets.

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Prepare to Play Tambola

• Sell Tambola Tickets at a fixed or mutually-agreed-upon price to everyone who wants to play.
• With the ticket(s), hand out a pen/pencil/toothpick to the players to strike the called Numbers/CUEs in their tickets.
• Decide the cash-prizes for the decided winning points. Winning points can be like:
  • Early 5: the ticket with first five struck numbers
  • First Row/Top Row: the ticket with all numbers struck in a top row first
  • Second Row/Middle Row: the ticket with all numbers struck in a middle row first
  • Third Row/Bottom Row: the ticket with all numbers struck in a bottom row first
  • Corners: the ticket with all 4 corner numbers struck first (1st and last numbers of top and bottom rows)
  • Corner with Star: the ticket with all 4 corner & centre-most numbers struck first (1st and last numbers of top and bottom rows along with a centre-most number of the middle row)
  • Full House/First House: the ticket with all its numbers struck first
  • Second House: the ticket with all its numbers struck second and so on…

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Facts to know about Tambola

Almost all of us are aware how interesting Tambola Game is but let us apprise you of some interesting facts about Tambola.

While playing Tambola have you ever wondered why there are 6 tickets on a page/pad in Hard Copies of Tambola ticket booklets?

• We know by now that there are 90 numbers in Tambola Game and each ticket has 15 numbers. So, 6 tickets have 15*6 = 90 numbers. In all these 6 tickets, each number from 1-90 occurs only once, covering all 90 numbers. Therefore, when a CUE is called, it will be present in one and only one ticket from the set of 6 tickets.
• There are 3 rows and 9 columns in every Tambola Ticket.
• There are a total of 90 (1-90) numbers in Tambola.
• There are 3 rows and 9 columns in every Tambola Ticket.
• Every ticket has exactly 15 numbers.
• Every row contains 5 numbers.
• A column may have 1, 2 or 3 numbers. There should be at least 1 number in every column.
• A Ticket cannot have the same number more than once.
• Column 1 on any ticket has numbers between 1-9.
• Column 2 on any ticket has numbers between 10-19.
• Column 3 on any ticket has numbers between 20-29.
• Column 4 on any ticket has numbers between 30-39.
• Column 5 on any ticket has numbers between 40-49.
• Column 6 on any ticket has numbers between 50-59.
• Column 7 on any ticket has numbers between 60-69.
• Column 8 on any ticket has numbers between 70-79.
• Column 9 on any ticket has numbers between 80-90.

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Time to Start Playing Tambola

• The CALLER needs to pick a Number/CUE without seeing the box/container containing CUEs. The caller generally shakes the box/container containing CUEs before calling the next CUE.
• If a number called by the CALLER exists on a player’s ticket, then the player has to strike it.
• Once a particular Winning point is achieved by a player, he has to claim it immediately.
• CALLER has to verify the winning by matching the struck numbers on the ticket with the called out numbers. The CALLER then declares if the winning has been successfully claimed. If not, the winning point is still available to be claimed.
• The game ends when all the small WINs and FULL HOUSEs are successfully CLAIMED.

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Award the winners at the end of Tambola

The pre-declared cash prizes are awarded to the respective winners from the amount collected by the sale of the tickets. If it is an “on-the-house” game, let the host award the winners with prizes.

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Some popular phrases to use while calling out Numbers

1 – First on the board, number 1; lone ranger number 1; Buttered scone; Top of the house number 1 2 – Kaala dhan (number “do”); one little duck number 2 3 – Happy family; goodness me number 3 4 – Hum doh humare “do”; 2+2=4; Murgi chor 5 – Punjab mail no. 5, Come for a drive at number 5 6 – Bottom heavy, In a fix number 6; supper sixer 7 – Lucky number seven, Colours of the rainbow, days in a week; saat sur 8 – Big fat lady/major number 8 9 – Doctor’s time number 9 10 – A big fat hen number 10; uncle Ben 11 – Beautiful legs; sexy legs 12 – One dozen 13 – Unlucky for some number 13, Baker’s Dozen number 13 14 – Valentine’s Day; Tender chick, age is 14 15 – Yet to be kissed, age is 15 16 – Never been kissed, Sweet sixteen 17 – Not so sweet, often been kissed, Dancing Queen 18 – Now you can vote, marriageable age number 18 19 – Goodbye teens at number 19 20 – Blind 20; one score 21 – Watch your son at 21, Women’s age never crosses 21; President's salute 22 – Two little ducks; All twos no. 22 23 – You and me is 23 24 – Two dozen 25 – Wish to have a wife at 25, Silver Jubilee (25) 26 – Republic Day 27 – Gateway to heaven number 27 28 – Not so late at 28; Duck and its mate 29 – In your prime, Gin and lime 29 30 – Women get flirty at 30; Flirty thirty 31 – Flavours at Baskin Robins 32 – 3..2.., Mouth’s Full 33 – Lovely lips, All the 3s, Knocking knees 33 34 – Dil mange more at 34 35 – Flirty wife 35 36 – Perfect vital stats 36, standard size 36, three dozen 37 – Mixed luck 38 – Oversize 39 – Watch your waistline 40 – Naughty 40 41 – Life begins at 41 43 – Down on your knees 43 44 – Chor & chor, All the fours 45 – Halfway there 46 – Up to tricks at 46 47 – Year of Independence 49 – Rise and shine at 49 50 – Half a century, Golden Jubilee (50) 51 – Charity begins at 51 52 – Weeks in a year; Pack of cards 53 – Pack with a joker 54 – Time for more 55 – Nagging wife, All the fives 56 – Pick up sticks 60 – Diamond Jubilee (60) 66 – Clickety Click 69 – Ulta Pulta, Any way round 72 – Lucky couple, lucky two 74 – Lucky chor 74 77 – Hum “saat” “saat” (Hindi) hain, luck-a-luck, double hockey sticks, two little crutches 78 – Lucky “seth” (Hindi) 78 79 – One more time, lucky nine 82 – Last of the two 82; Fat lady with a duck 83 – India won Cricket World Cup 84 – Last of the chors 87 – Last of luck, fat lady with a crutch 88 – Two fat ladies 89 – Nearly there; All but one 90 – Top of the house, number 90!

Play Tambola Online On Whatsapp

While we all are stuck in our homes due to the pandemic we can still come together with our friends and family members through online games. When it is difficult to get together and play games we can still connect through online games such as playing Tambola online on Whatsapp.

Below are the rules for the game that everyone should reflect for the smooth functioning of the game:

1. Ask the players to not spam on the WhatsApp group for unending fun.
2. To claim any prize, please type STOP and mention the claim. Send the photo of the ticket along with the ticket number.
3. As there will be many players who will be claiming the prize for each variation. So, divide the prize amount equally amongst the first three players who came first to claim the variation.
4. Everyone should be alert enough to claim their prize before the next number is called out. If they hesitate and the next number is called, there will be on prize and the CLAIM will be considered BOGEY.
5. Be sure to follow the rules and decision of the organiser as final.

Directions to Organise the Game:

1. You can create and call out random numbers for the game using the tambola board. It is better to use a mobile app to play tambola as many are available for free.
2. You can ask all your friends to create a ticket by drawing or can get a printout.
3. Be sure to describe each and every rule carefully to all the layers, so there is no confusion amongst the players.
4. While claiming the prize ask all the winners to share their tickets.
5. Once the winner has claimed the prize, share a screenshot on the Whatsapp group so there is no confusion among the players.

Online Applications to Play Tambola

Tambola is no longer limited to the board games or to a confined number of players. Now you can play Tambola game online with N number of players. You can also download free Tambola game from the play store as there are many free Tambola game applications available. Check these mobile apps:

Tambola - Online Indian Bingo

Tambola

Jungle Tambola

Tambola Housie - 90 Ball Bingo

So what are you waiting for? Just download a free Tambola game application and get ready to play and win like a pro!

Hope you’ve found this article useful. From your experience, if you can add to it in some way please do so via your comments below. You’ll help us delight the readers who visit after you. Thanks :)

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FAQs

1. What are the key strategies for organizing and running a successful Tambola game?

To organize and run a successful Tambola game, start by selecting the right platform, whether in-person or virtual, ensuring you have reliable tools for number generation and ticket distribution. Clearly communicate the rules, including winning combinations like full house or rows, and how prizes will be claimed. Offering attractive and varied prizes will keep participants motivated and engaged. Create an interactive and fun atmosphere by calling out numbers in an engaging way, perhaps with humor or a theme to enhance the experience. Ensure transparency by verifying winning claims efficiently to maintain fairness. Keep the game paced well to maintain excitement, neither too fast nor too slow, and consider offering multiple rounds to keep the energy high throughout the event. By blending excitement with clear organization and engaging the audience, you can create a memorable Tambola experience.

2. How does Tambola differ from Bingo, and what are the unique aspects of the Indian version?

Tambola and Bingo are both number-based games, but they differ significantly in structure and gameplay. Bingo is typically played on a rectangular 5x5 grid, where players mark off numbers as they are called out, aiming to complete specific patterns for victory. In contrast, Tambola uses a ticket with three rows and nine columns, featuring numbers from 1 to 90. Players can win in multiple ways, including "Early Five," lines, and a "Full House," making it more dynamic. Tambola emphasizes social interaction and is commonly played at family gatherings and community events in India, often accompanied by music and refreshments. Its unique ticket design, multiple winning opportunities, and customization options for hosts contribute to its festive atmosphere, making it a cherished cultural pastime distinct from the straightforward nature of Bingo.

3. What are the emerging trends and challenges in hosting Tambola events, both traditional and online?

Emerging trends in hosting Tambola events, both traditional and online, include the integration of technology and interactive elements to enhance player engagement. In traditional settings, organizers are increasingly incorporating themed events and creative prizes to attract diverse audiences, while online platforms leverage live-streaming, mobile apps, and virtual chat features to create a more immersive experience. Additionally, social media promotion plays a crucial role in reaching a wider audience and facilitating community building. However, challenges persist, such as ensuring fair play in online formats, managing technical glitches during virtual games, and maintaining the traditional social atmosphere that Tambola is known for. Furthermore, organizers must navigate varying regulations and legal considerations for online gambling and prize distribution, which can impact event planning and execution. Balancing these trends and challenges is essential for successful Tambola events in both realms.

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