Bow Tie Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips

Which squares make the bow tie?

Two filled triangles, one on each side, joined by a knot in the center:

• Left wing: the whole B column, plus I2, I3 and I4
• Knot: the free space
• Right wing: the whole O column, plus G2, G3 and G4

17 squares, 16 numbers. The only N square is the free space, so N calls (31–45) don’t help at all. Every other column is heavily involved: five each from B and O, three each from I and G.

Bow tie odds by call

Exact single-card figures:

Half of single cards finish by call 73. In a room, our simulation puts the first bow tie at about call 60 with 50 cards and call 54 with 500 cards, among the longest games short of a blackout.

If your hall allows the bow tie turned on end (wings on the top and bottom rows), there are two ways to win; the 500-card first-winner estimate improves only slightly, to around call 51.

Tips for players

• N calls are a rest. Nothing from 31 to 45 can help.
• Fill the outside columns first. B and O together are 10 of your 16 numbers.
• Expect a long game. A bow tie is close to blackout length, so play only the cards you can comfortably track.

Tips for callers and hosts

The bow tie is a showpiece pattern for formal-themed events: prom-night fundraisers, Father’s Day, New Year’s Eve or a “black tie” casino night. At 16 numbers it should carry one of your larger prizes and sit late in the session.

A neat trick is to play the letter X earlier in the session: the X’s corners and inner diagonal squares are all part of the bow tie, so players see how the bigger shape grows from it.

Variations

• Upright bow tie (hourglass): wings on the top and bottom rows instead of the sides.
• Letter X first: play the letter X, then continue on the same card to the full bow tie for a second prize.