Quick answer
The letter X bingo pattern is both diagonals at once: corner to corner in each direction, crossing at the free space. It covers 9 squares and needs 8 numbers, two each from the B, I, G and O columns and none from N. One card has a 3.2% chance by call 50 and 15% by call 60, and with 500 cards in play the first X usually comes around call 36.
Which squares make the letter X?
Two diagonals crossing in the middle:
- Diagonal 1: B1, I2, free space, G4, O5
- Diagonal 2: O1, G2, free space, I4, B5
That’s 9 squares and 8 numbers: two each from B, I, G and O, and nothing at all from the N column. The four corners of the card are part of the X, so if you already have four corners you’re halfway there.
Letter X odds by call
Exact single-card figures:
| Calls made | Chance one card has the X |
|---|---|
| 40 | 0.46% |
| 50 | 3.2% |
| 60 | 15% |
| 70 | 56% |
Half of single cards finish by call 70. In a room, our simulation puts the first X at about call 46 with 50 cards and call 36 with 500 cards. It’s symmetrical, so there is no crazy version: turning an X gives the same X.
X vs. plus sign
The X and the plus sign both have 9 squares and 8 numbers, and they run about the same length. The difference is which numbers matter. The plus sign needs all four of your N numbers; the X needs none. Hosts can play them back to back so different players get a shot.
Tips for players
- N calls are a rest. Nothing from 31 to 45 helps.
- Start from the corners. Four of your eight numbers are the corner squares, the other four hug the free space.
- Check both slants before you shout. One finished diagonal is an any diagonal win, not an X.
Tips for callers and hosts
The X is one of the most recognizable patterns in bingo and works for every crowd, from church halls to classroom games. At 8 numbers it’s a medium game for a medium prize.
It’s a natural fit for Valentine’s Day and anniversary events, since X and O read as XOXO. Pair it with the outside edge, the “O,” for a themed two-game set.
Variations
- One diagonal only: see any diagonal, a 4-number game with two ways to win.
- X with four corners as a warm-up: pay a small prize for four corners, then play on to the full X on the same card.
- X and plus together: 17 squares and 16 numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get an X in bingo?
Mark both diagonals: B1, I2, G4 and O5 on one, O1, G2, I4 and B5 on the other. The free space is where they cross.
Do you need any N numbers for a letter X?
No. The only N square on either diagonal is the free space, so calls from 31 to 45 can't help.
Is the letter X the same as two lines?
It's one particular pair of lines, the two diagonals. In a regular two-lines game it would win, but in an X game no other pair of lines counts.
Keep reading
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.
Plus Sign Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The plus sign bingo pattern is the full middle row and full N column, crossing at the free space. See the 8 numbers you need and the exact odds.
Four Corners Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
Four corners bingo needs just the four corner squares of your card. See exactly which numbers count, the real odds by call, and when halls use it.
Bingo Patterns
Every bingo pattern with a picture, rules and how many numbers you need.