Quick answer
The letter B bingo pattern is a full B column plus three horizontal bars (top, middle and bottom rows from B to G) and the two bumps of the B in the O column. It covers 16 squares; the free space sits on the middle bar, so you need 15 numbers. One card has a 2.3% chance by call 60, and with 500 cards in play the first B usually lands around call 52.
Which squares make the letter B?
The B is drawn with a straight spine on the left and two rounded bumps on the right:
- Spine: the whole B column (B1–B5)
- Top bar: I1, N1, G1
- Middle bar: I3, free space, G3
- Bottom bar: I5, N5, G5
- Bumps: O2 and O4
That’s 16 squares and 15 numbers. The bars stop at the G column and the bumps sit in the O column, which is how a square grid fakes the curves of a B. Some pattern boards draw the bars all the way across to the O column; that version is the letter E plus two squares, so check the board.
Letter B odds by call
Exact single-card figures:
| Calls made | Chance one card has the B |
|---|---|
| 40 | under 0.01% |
| 50 | 0.10% |
| 60 | 2.3% |
| 70 | 32% |
Half of single cards finish by call 72. In a room, our simulation puts the first B around call 59 with 50 cards and call 52 with 500 cards, which makes it one of the longer letter games. If your hall plays a crazy B (any rotation), the first winner in a 500-card room moves up to about call 48.
Tips for players
- The B column is the spine. You need all five B numbers (1–15), so B calls are the ones to watch.
- Rows 2 and 4 are light. They only need the two outer squares, B and O.
- Don’t forget the bumps. O2 and O4 are easy to overlook because the rest of the O column isn’t in the pattern.
Tips for callers and hosts
Big letters like B suit the later part of a session, ahead of the blackout. At 15 numbers, the B can carry one of your larger regular prizes.
It’s especially popular in “spell BINGO” nights, where the B, letter I, letter N, a G and the outside edge (the O) are played as a run of games. Show the diagram before the first call, since letter shapes vary between halls.
Variations
- Block B: bars drawn across to the O column, 19 squares and 18 numbers.
- Crazy B: the B rotated or flipped any way.
- Letter P: a spine with a single loop at the top. See the letter P.
Frequently asked questions
How many numbers do you need for a letter B in bingo?
Fifteen. The B covers 16 squares, and one of them is the free space on the middle bar.
Does the letter B use the O column?
Yes, but only two squares: O2 and O4, the outer edges of the two bumps. The top, middle and bottom bars stop at the G column.
Why do halls play the letter B?
It's the first letter of BINGO, so many halls feature it as a themed game or as part of a 'spell BINGO' series across a session.
Keep reading
Letter P Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The letter P bingo pattern is the B column with a loop over the top three rows: 14 squares, 13 numbers. See the layout, exact odds and crazy P rules.
Letter E Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The letter E bingo pattern covers three full rows and the B column: 17 squares, 16 numbers. See the exact layout, odds by call and when to play it.
Letter I Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The letter I bingo pattern is the top row, bottom row and N column: 13 squares, 12 numbers. See the exact layout, odds by call and hosting tips.
Bingo Patterns
Every bingo pattern with a picture, rules and how many numbers you need.