Quick answer
The letter N bingo pattern is the full B column, the full O column and the diagonal running from the top left to the bottom right between them. It covers 13 squares; the diagonal crosses the free space, so you need 12 numbers. One card has a 5.4% chance by call 60, and with 500 cards in play the first N usually comes around call 48.
Which squares make the letter N?
Two posts and a slash:
- Left post: the whole B column, B1–B5
- Right post: the whole O column, O1–O5
- Diagonal: I2, free space, G4 (plus B1 and O5, already in the posts)
13 squares, 12 numbers. It’s the same 12-number size as the letter H, which also uses the B and O columns. The H links them across the middle row; the N links them on the diagonal.
Letter N odds by call
Exact single-card figures:
| Calls made | Chance one card has the N |
|---|---|
| 40 | 0.02% |
| 50 | 0.46% |
| 60 | 5.4% |
| 70 | 41% |
Half of single cards finish by call 72. Our simulation puts the first N in a room around call 56 with 50 cards and call 48 with 500 cards.
Rotate an N a quarter turn and it becomes a letter Z. A crazy N that allows both shapes raises the single-card chance at call 60 to 10% and brings a 500-card room’s first winner to about call 44.
Tips for players
- B and O columns first. Ten of your 12 numbers are in the two outer columns.
- Know your two diagonal squares. I2 and G4 are the only middle-of-card numbers you need. Learn them before the first ball.
- Check the slant. A diagonal from the top right down to the bottom left makes a backwards N, which doesn’t count in a regular N game.
Tips for callers and hosts
The N is a great pick for themed games: it’s the middle letter of BINGO and the first letter of many words you might spell out on a pattern board, like NEW YEAR or NOEL. At 12 numbers, it suits a mid-session prize.
When checking a claim, read back the two diagonal numbers (I2 and G4) along with the posts. A card with full posts and a diagonal running the wrong way is a backwards N, and that shouldn’t be paid unless you announced it.
Variations
- Crazy N: N or Z.
- Backwards N: the diagonal running the other way, from top right to bottom left.
- Letter H: posts joined by the middle row instead. See the letter H.
Frequently asked questions
Which way does the diagonal go in a letter N?
From the top of the B column down to the bottom of the O column: B1, I2, the free space, G4, O5. That's the same direction as a capital N.
How many numbers do you need for a letter N?
Twelve: five from B, five from O, and I2 and G4 on the diagonal. The center of the diagonal is the free space.
What is the letter N turned sideways?
A quarter turn of the N gives the letter Z. In a crazy N game, a Z counts as well, doubling the ways to win.
Keep reading
Letter Z Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The letter Z bingo pattern is the top row, bottom row and a diagonal through the free space: 13 squares, 12 numbers. See the layout and exact odds.
Letter H Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The letter H bingo pattern is the B and O columns joined by the middle row: 13 squares, 12 numbers. See the exact layout, odds by call and tips.
Any Diagonal Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
Diagonal bingo counts only corner-to-corner lines through the free space. See both winning diagonals, the 4 numbers each needs, and the exact odds.
Bingo Patterns
Every bingo pattern with a picture, rules and how many numbers you need.