When it comes to Bingo, whether you’ve yet to play your first game, or you’d class yourself as a Bingo connoisseur, you’ve more than likely heard of some of the call phrases used in a game or two of Bingo. This includes games played up and down the country in halls and clubs, or within online Bingo games.
But, did you know that there’s a call for all numbers in play? With this in mind, we wanted to explore the first 20 numbers and their calls.
Read on to find out more.
1 – Kelly’s eye
A reference to Ned Kelly’s helmet, where the eye slot resembled the number one.
2 – One little duck
References the fact that the number two looks like a duck.
3 – Cup of tea
Rhymes with three, whilst paying homage to the nation’sfavourite hot beverage. Some players also respond to this call by calling back “put the kettle on”.
4 – Knock at the door
Rhymes with four. Players will occasionally reply with “who’s there”.
5 – Man alive
Rhymes with five.
6 – Half a dozen
12 is known as a dozen, and half of 12 is six. So, six is half a dozen.
7 – Lucky seven
The number seven is considered lucky in many cultures around the world, including the casino and bingo world.
8 – Garden gate
Not only does it rhyme with eight, but it’s said to have been a code word in history, refereeing to a secret meeting or drop off point.
9 – Doctor’s orders
During the time of World War II, the number nine was the name of a pill given out by army doctors to soldiers who were ill or under the weather. The number nine pill was a powerful laxative, said to clear the system of all ailments.
10 – [first name of current prime minister]’s den
Referring to 10 Downing Street, the residence of the current prime minister. The name used within this Bingo call has changed over the years, to call out the current prime minister’s name.
11 – Legs eleven
Refers to the fact that the number eleven looks like a pair of legs.
12 – A dozen
12 makes up a dozen.
13 – Unlucky for some
Many around the world believe the number 13 is unlucky.
14 – Valentine’s Day
Refers to the date that Valentine’s Day falls on each year.
15 – Young and keen
Keen rhymes with 15.
16 – Sweet 16
Turning sixteen is seen as a special birthday, as you’re no longer seen as a child, but not quite yet seen as an adult.
17 – Daning queen
Refers to the ABBA lyrics – “you are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen.”
18 – Coming of age
Refers to the age you officially become an adult. It’s known for some players to reply to the call with “now you can vote!”.
19 – Goodbye teens
Refers to 19 being the last year of someone’s teenage years.
20 – Getting plenty
A cheeky phrase that rhymes with the number.
Now you know some of the Bingo numbers and rhymes, you can be on the top of your game the next time you play. Is your dauber at the ready?
