Quick answer
The top hat bingo pattern is a wide brim along the bottom row with a solid rectangle above it: the middle three squares of rows 2, 3 and 4 form the crown. It covers 14 squares; the free space is inside the crown, so you need 13 numbers. One card has a 4.1% chance by call 60, and with 500 cards in play the first top hat usually comes around call 49.
Which squares make the top hat?
A tall crown sitting on a wide brim:
- Crown: I2, N2, G2, I3, free space, G3, I4, N4, G4 (the filled 3x3 center block)
- Brim: B5, I5, N5, G5, O5
14 squares, 13 numbers. The top row and the outer B and O columns stay empty above the brim. Only two of your numbers (B5 and O5) are in the outer columns.
Top hat odds by call
Exact single-card figures:
| Calls made | Chance one card has the top hat |
|---|---|
| 40 | 0.01% |
| 50 | 0.28% |
| 60 | 4.1% |
| 70 | 37% |
Half of single cards finish by call 72. In a room, our simulation puts the first top hat at about call 57 with 50 cards and call 49 with 500 cards. A crazy top hat (brim on any edge) brings that to about call 45.
Top hat vs. witch’s hat
The two hats are close in length. The top hat needs 13 numbers and the witch’s hat 12. In a 500-card room our simulation puts the first top hat around call 49 and the first witch’s hat around call 47.
Tips for players
- The crown is the filled inside square. If you’ve played the inside square on this card, you only need the bottom row to finish the hat.
- I, N and G do the heavy lifting. Eleven of your 13 numbers come from those three columns.
- The brim is a line. Finishing the bottom row gets you 5 numbers in one go.
Tips for callers and hosts
The top hat is a classic for New Year’s Eve and formal-themed nights, and it’s a fun one for magic-themed kids’ parties too (think rabbit out of a hat). At 13 numbers it’s a longer game; place it later in the session with a good prize.
Build-up idea: play the inside square early in the night, then the top hat later on fresh cards, and point out that the hat is the same frame filled in, sitting on a line.
Variations
- Crazy top hat: brim on any edge of the card.
- Tall hat: a crown that reaches the top row, 17 squares and 16 numbers.
- Witch’s hat: a pointed hat for Halloween. See the witch’s hat.
Frequently asked questions
What squares make a top hat in bingo?
The full bottom row for the brim and the middle 3x3 block (I, N and G in rows 2 to 4) for the crown. The free space is the center of the crown.
How many numbers do you need for a top hat?
Thirteen. The hat covers 14 squares, including the free space.
When is the top hat pattern used?
It suits New Year's Eve, formal-themed fundraisers, magic shows and Presidents' Day, as well as any 'night on the town' theme.
Keep reading
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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.
Inside Square Bingo Pattern (Small Picture Frame): Rules & Odds
The inside square, or small picture frame, is the ring of 8 squares around the free space. See which numbers count, exact odds by call, and host tips.
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