Tips For Arranging A Works Bingo Night Outing - Part 3 - Common Mistakes And Things To Watch For

The games are running at full force, people look like they're getting to grips with it, all is well with the Bingo night. But is it? These are some signs of common problems to look out for.

Author: Dio

Part 3 - Common Mistakes And Things To Watch For

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Here are a few things to look out for as the night and Bingo games progress. Potential problems can be easily solved if you know what to look for and spot them early, so for your aid, here are some common problems to look out for.

As already mention in Part 2, you're there as much to have fun, and if you've bought your books you should get your money's worth out of playing. You can't expect to keep an eye on everyone all the time. They are grown adults (in theory) so will need to take responsibility for themselves. However, everyone can help out to solve some of the common problems that happen.

Missing Pages And Numbers Out

At the start of each game, do a quick verbal check. Let them all know what page and book, and get everyone to check everyone else. If someone gets confused and the games about to start, hold it up until they're sorted.

If someone has missed a page, there is little you can do. They may need to re-play a page they've already marked. Suggest more than one pen (preferably on light for standard play and one dark should they need to remark.)

Missing numbers called is another problem that's likely to occur. If its before the line is called, you can ask the caller for a recall, they'll quickly go through the numbers called. If there are more than 15 or 20 numbers out, the caller may refuse.

It may be a good idea to also tell people about the screens around the hall. There will be a big screen with all the numbers called on as well as the current number screens dotted around the place.

If they're quick, and they get down to one or two numbers to a win, they can look at the numbers called and see if they have any there. Its not practical to check every ticket in the manner, but if you get close to a win and feel like you've missed a number, a quick check can help.

Quiet Calls

New players can often feel a bit timid, so keep an ear out for your locality. If you hear a familiar voice utter a weedy shout of 'house' - shout as well but much louder. Don't hesitate though as you could miss the claim.

Instill in every one the importance of shouting loud and shouting fast. Its better they make a false claim than no claim at all.

False Calls

You'll always get a false call when you have a bunch of novices with you. One common error is once the line has been called they'll call when they get a line. Just quickly check they all realise this is not the case. However, as irritating as a false call is for the regulars, who'll groan, its better than missing out. Fear not...

Non-Playing People

Often you may find some people give up, or lose interest in the game, or didn't buy tickets to start with. These can be a problem if they start distracting people during the games, or worse still, start talking during games. There is no foolproof method of dealing with this, but ask them to behave and have consideration for everyone else as a starting point. After that, who knows!

Number Confusion

You'd be surprised how many people get don't realise that the numbers run in columns. 1-9 in one, 10-19 in the next, etc. This can hamper their game play, so show them the technique for scanning up and down columns as the numbers are called. As obvious as it seems, some people miss that point completely.

Continue to Part 4: The Rewards >>