Quick answer
The pyramid bingo pattern is a solid triangle on the bottom half of the card: the full bottom row, the middle three squares of row 4, and the free space as the peak. It covers 9 squares and needs only 8 numbers. One card has a 15% chance by call 60, and with 500 cards in play the first pyramid usually comes around call 36, or about call 31 if it can point any direction.
Which squares make the pyramid?
Build it from the bottom up, 5, 3, 1:
- Base (row 5): B5, I5, N5, G5, O5
- Middle (row 4): I4, N4, G4
- Peak (row 3): the free space
9 squares, 8 numbers. The top two rows are irrelevant. You need two numbers each from I, N and G, and the bottom number from B and O.
Pyramid odds by call
Exact single-card figures:
| Calls made | Regular pyramid | Crazy pyramid (any direction) |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 0.46% | 1.8% |
| 50 | 3.2% | 12% |
| 60 | 15% | 47% |
| 70 | 56% | 95% |
Half of single cards finish a regular pyramid by call 70 and a crazy pyramid by call 61. In a room, our simulation puts the first pyramid at about call 46 with 50 cards and call 36 with 500 cards; for a crazy pyramid it’s about call 40 and call 31.
Pyramid vs. other 8-number games
The pyramid needs the same count as the letter X, plus sign and cross, so all four take about the same number of calls. The difference is where the numbers sit: the pyramid lives entirely in the bottom three rows, so the top of the card is dead for this game.
Tips for players
- It all happens in the bottom two rows. Rows 1 and 2 don’t matter at all, and row 3 only matters for the free space.
- The base is a line. Finishing the bottom row gets you 5 of your 8 numbers.
- In a crazy pyramid, every edge is a base. Look at which edge row or column is closest to full.
Tips for callers and hosts
The pyramid is a compact, medium-length game and a good choice for the middle of a session. It’s easy to see on any card, so it suits seniors, kids and new players. The shape ties in with travel, Egypt or history-themed nights, and its 5-3-1 build makes a natural lead-in to bigger tree and hat shapes.
Pair it with the Christmas tree or witch’s hat in seasonal sessions: they’re both pyramids with extras.
Variations
- Crazy pyramid: base on any edge.
- Witch’s hat: the pyramid with a tall peak. See the witch’s hat.
Frequently asked questions
What squares make a pyramid in bingo?
The whole bottom row, I4, N4 and G4, and the free space at the top. That's 9 squares and 8 numbers.
Does the pyramid use the free space?
Yes. The free space is the peak of the pyramid, which is why it needs only 8 numbers.
What is a crazy pyramid?
A crazy pyramid can point up, down, left or right, so the base can be any edge of the card. That makes four ways to win.
Keep reading
Christmas Tree Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The Christmas tree bingo pattern is a 1-3-5 triangle with a trunk and stand: 13 squares including the free space, so 12 numbers. See the layout and odds.
House Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The house bingo pattern is a pointed roof, two walls and a floor: 15 squares including the free space, so 14 numbers. See the layout and exact odds.
Witch's Hat Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The witch's hat bingo pattern is a tall pointed hat on a wide brim: 13 squares including the free space, so 12 numbers. See the layout and exact odds.
Bingo Patterns
Every bingo pattern with a picture, rules and how many numbers you need.