How to Play Tambola (Housie): Tickets, Number Calls and Winning Patterns
Tambola, also called housie, is India's version of 90-ball bingo. Each player has a ticket with 15 numbers; a caller draws numbers from 1 to 90 at random, players mark the numbers on their ticket, and the first player to complete an agreed pattern – any five numbers, a line, or the whole ticket – claims that prize. It suits family get-togethers, kitty parties and school events.
Try it: choose Tambola 1–90, call numbers one by one or automatically, and let the tool read each number out loud. Every called number is shown on the board.
Open the tambola number callerHow does a tambola ticket work?
- A ticket has 3 rows and 9 columns.
- Each row has 5 numbers and 4 blanks, so the ticket holds 15 numbers.
- Each column covers one range: the first column 1–9, the second 10–19, the third 20–29, and so on up to the last column, 80–90.
- No number appears twice on a ticket.
You can buy printed ticket books, print tickets from a ticket generator, or make them by hand following the rules above.
How are numbers called?
The caller draws numbers 1 to 90 at random, one at a time, and announces each one clearly. Many callers add traditional rhymes – "Kelly's eye, number one", "two little ducks, 22" – which is part of the fun. The caller keeps a board of called numbers so every claim can be checked.
What are the winning patterns?
| Prize | What you need |
|---|---|
| Early Five | Any five numbers on your ticket |
| Top Line | All five numbers in the first row |
| Middle Line | All five numbers in the second row |
| Bottom Line | All five numbers in the third row |
| Four Corners | The first and last numbers of the top and bottom rows |
| Full House | All 15 numbers – usually the last and biggest prize |
Groups add their own patterns too. Write the list of prizes down before the first number is called.
How do you claim a prize?
- Call out the prize ("Early five!") before the next number is called.
- The caller checks your marked numbers against the board.
- If the claim is right, you win that prize and the game continues for the rest.
- If it is wrong – a "bogey" – many groups cancel that ticket for the rest of the game. Agree the rule before you start.
If two players complete the same pattern on the same number, a common rule is to share the prize.
How do you run a game online or on a big screen?
- Open the bingo number generator and choose Tambola 1–90.
- Put it on the TV, or share your screen on a video call.
- Press "Call next number", or turn on auto-call every 3, 5, 8 or 12 seconds.
- Turn on "Call out loud" so players can listen while they mark.
- Use the board to check claims.
What prizes work for a family game?
Keep it about fun: chocolates, small toys, first pick of dessert, choosing the next game. Keep entry free – tambola is a party game, not a way to make money.