Bingo Patterns
A pattern is the shape a player must cover to win. The caller names it before the first ball; a short pattern makes a quick game, a blackout a long one. These are the ones halls, classrooms and parties play most, drawn on a 75-ball card with the free space in the middle.
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Four corners
Just the four corner squares. Four numbers can win, so it is fast and good for a warm-up.
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Postage stamp
A 2x2 block of squares in any corner, like a stamp on an envelope.
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Picture frame
Every square around the edge of the card. Also called the outside edge.
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Blackout
Every square on the card. Also called coverall: the longest game, often the last of the night.
Patterns on 90-ball tickets
British 90-ball bingo has no shapes. A ticket wins in three stages: one line (any full row), two lines and a full house (all 15 numbers). The 90-ball caller calls them and the winner check reports each stage.
Checking a pattern
Cards made on BingoInk carry a number. Pick the pattern in the winner check, enter the card number, and it marks the card with the calls so far and says how many squares the pattern still needs.