Number 1 bingo pattern
The number 1 pattern needs 7 called squares plus the free space. A single card completes it after about 66.5 of the 75 calls on average; with 30 cards in play the first winner usually comes around call 46.
| B | I | N | G | O |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7 | 23 | 35 | 57 | 70 |
12 | 25 | 38 | 55 | 62 |
4 | 26 | FREE | 56 | 67 |
13 | 24 | 34 | 60 | 61 |
2 | 29 | 42 | 53 | 74 |
Shaded squares: the number 1 pattern.
Play for number 1: 7 called squares plus the free space.
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Caller sheet
Every call in a shuffled order. Tick each one as you read it out; the same share link always gives the same order.
Updated
What the number 1 pattern looks like
The N column with a small flag at the top and a base of three squares. 7 called squares plus the free space.
Column by column, number 1 needs 2 I, 4 N plus the free center and 1 G squares, so N calls (31-45) help most and B and O calls (1-15 and 61-75) never help.
Also called "number one" or "figure 1".
Squares to cover for number 1
Squares are named by column letter and row (B1 is the top-left corner, O5 the bottom-right).
- N1, I2, N2, free space, N4, I5, N5, G5
Number 1 in numbers
| Squares in the pattern | 8 of 25 |
|---|---|
| Numbers that must be called | 7 (the free center is part of the pattern) |
| Ways to make it on one card | 1 |
| Called squares per column | B 0 · I 2 · N 4 · G 1 · O 0 |
| Expected calls, one card | 66.5 of 75 |
| Chance one card has it by call 40 | 0.9% |
| Rank by speed | 21 of 70 patterns (1 = fastest) |
Chance of number 1 by each call
Exact probability that one 75-ball card has completed number 1 after a given number of calls (hypergeometric).
| By call | One card | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | under 0.1% | (20/75) × … × (14/69) |
| 30 | 0.1% | (30/75) × … × (24/69) |
| 40 | 0.9% | (40/75) × … × (34/69) |
| 50 | 5% | (50/75) × … × (44/69) |
| 60 | 19% | (60/75) × … × (54/69) |
How many calls until someone wins number 1
300 simulated games per row on 75-ball cards with a free center, the winner being the first card to complete number 1.
| Cards in play | Median calls | 8 games in 10 end between | Share of the 75 numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 cards | 53 | calls 41 and 64 | 71% |
| 30 cards | 46 | calls 34 and 55 | 61% |
| 100 cards | 41 | calls 32 and 49 | 55% |
Number 1 compared with similar patterns
Patterns just faster and just slower than number 1, by expected calls for one card.
| Pattern | Called squares | Expected calls (1 card) | First winner, 30 cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small X | 4 | 60.8 | 32 |
| Crazy L | 9 | 62.8 | 46 |
| Number 1 (this page) | 7 | 66.5 | 46 |
| Staircase | 14 | 67.2 | 54 |
| Checkerboard | 12 | 67.3 | 54 |
How to call a number 1 game
-
Show the pattern
Hold up or project the number 1 diagram before the first call and say how many squares count: 7 plus the free space.
-
Call at a steady pace
With 30 cards expect the first winner near call 46 (8 games in 10 between 34 and 55); with 100 cards near call 41.
-
Check the winning card
Read back each of the 7 numbers in the pattern from the caller sheet.
-
Tip for this pattern
Start a countdown series with it (4, 3, 2, 1) or play it on the first day of school.
Frequently asked questions
How many numbers do you need for number 1 bingo?
7 called numbers; the free center is part of the pattern and counts as covered. The pattern covers 8 of the 25 squares.
How long does a number 1 game take?
About 66.5 calls for one card on average. In 300 simulated games the first winner came at a median of call 53 with 10 cards, 46 with 30 cards and 41 with 100 cards.
Is number 1 faster than staircase?
Yes. Number 1 needs about 66.5 calls on one card and staircase about 67.2, so number 1 finishes 0.7 calls sooner on average.
What else is the number 1 pattern called?
It is also known as "number one" and "figure 1". The squares are the same: 7 called numbers.
Related
Cards for this pattern
More bingo patterns
- Christmas tree 12 calls needed · about 70.2 calls on one card
- Picture frame 16 calls needed · about 71.5 calls on one card