Tambola, also known as Housie, is a popular game in India that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for generations. Whether it’s a family gathering, a festival celebration, or just a fun evening with friends, Tambola is the go-to game that brings excitement and fun to the table. This article will take you through all the essential details on how to play Tambola, including the tambola rules, tambola winning patterns, and tips to make the game even more enjoyable. If you’re new to the game or simply want to brush up on your knowledge, this guide is for you!
What is Tambola?
Tambola is a lottery-style game where players are given tickets with random numbers printed on them. The objective of the game is to mark off the numbers on your ticket as the caller announces them, and match specific patterns or objectives to win.
The beauty of Tambola is that it’s incredibly simple to learn yet offers endless fun. It’s considered the number one game in India when it comes to parties and social gatherings, and its popularity keeps growing every year.
Tambola Tickets
Before diving into the tambola rules, let’s understand the layout of a Tambola ticket. A standard Tambola ticket consists of a grid of 3 rows and 9 columns. Each row has five numbers and four blank spaces, making a total of 15 numbers on a ticket. The numbers on each ticket are randomly selected from the range of 1 to 90.
Tambola Game Rules
The first step to playing Tambola is distributing the tickets to all players. Every player is given at least one ticket, though some may opt for multiple tickets if they want to increase their chances of winning. Once all players have their tickets, the caller, who is responsible for announcing the numbers, begins drawing numbers at random, usually from a container or an electronic random number generator.
The caller announces the number aloud, and players mark the number on their tickets if they have it. The objective is to complete specific patterns on the ticket to win prizes.
Tambola Winning Patterns
One of the most exciting aspects of Tambola is the variety of tambola winning patterns you can play for. Some common patterns include:
Full House
The player who marks off all 15 numbers on their ticket first wins the full house. This is usually the biggest prize of the game.
Corners in Tambola
In this pattern, the player wins by marking the four corner numbers on the ticket. These are usually the numbers in the first and last columns of the first and last rows.
Top Line
The player who marks off all five numbers in the top row first wins.
Middle Line
Marking all five numbers in the middle row first gives the player a win in this pattern.
Bottom Line
The player who marks off all five numbers in the bottom row first wins this pattern.
Early Five
The first player to mark off any five numbers on their ticket, irrespective of which row or column they are in, wins this pattern.
Pyramid
In this variation, the player needs to mark a pyramid shape, like 1 number on the top row, 2 numbers on the middle row, and 3 numbers on the bottom row.
These are just a few examples. There can be endless winning patterns depending on how you want to customise the game. Some groups even invent their own patterns for added fun.
What is the Corner in Tambola?
When people refer to the corner in tambola, they are usually talking about a very common winning pattern that involves marking the four numbers located in the four corners of the ticket. These are:
- The top-left corner (first number in the top row)
- The top-right corner (last number in the top row)
- The bottom-left corner (first number in the bottom row)
- The bottom-right corner (last number in the bottom row)
This is one of the easiest and quickest patterns to win, which is why it’s usually called early in the game. It’s also a fan favorite because it’s easy to understand and fun to achieve.
Corners in Tambola
The corners in tambola are considered one of the most crucial parts of the game, especially for beginners who may not be familiar with all the possible patterns. This pattern is relatively simple and is often one of the first to be won in a game. Winning the corners gives the player an instant sense of accomplishment, and because it’s a fast pattern to complete, it keeps the energy of the game high.
Players should always keep an eye on their corner numbers when the game starts because this is usually one of the first winning patterns the caller will award.
Playing Tambola at Gatherings
Tambola is often the game of choice during family reunions, weddings, or community events. Since the game is easy to set up and doesn’t require any special equipment, it can be played almost anywhere. Whether you’re playing with just a few people or a large group, it scales perfectly.
Here are some tips to make your next Tambola session a hit:
- Prepare the Tickets in Advance: If you’re hosting, ensure you have enough tickets for everyone, and perhaps some extras in case someone wants to buy additional tickets.
- Use a Random Number Generator: You can either use a physical number drawing system like a tambola machine or use a random number generator app on your phone for convenience.
- Announce the Prizes: Before starting the game, make sure everyone knows the different tambola winning patterns and what prizes are associated with them.
- Add Fun Variations: Feel free to introduce new patterns or twists to keep the game exciting. For example, some people like to add a “second full house” or “reverse pyramid” pattern.
- Stay Fair: Make sure that every player has the same opportunity to win by enforcing the official tambola rules.
Tambola: The Number One Game in India
Tambola is undoubtedly the number one game in India for many reasons. Not only does it offer hours of entertainment, but it also brings people together in a way few games can. The simplicity of the game, combined with its competitive nature and the excitement of potentially winning prizes, makes it a staple at social events.
Moreover, the game can be easily adapted for various occasions, making it suitable for everything from small family get-togethers to large-scale corporate events. In fact, it’s not unusual to see Tambola being played in schools, offices, and even during charity fundraisers.
Tambola Variations
While the basic game of Tambola is universally loved, there are many variations you can play to make things even more interesting. Some common variations include:
- Jaldi Five: The first player to mark any five numbers on their ticket wins. This is similar to “Early Five” but is often played with a different set of rules.
- Multiple Full Houses: Instead of just one full house, you can have multiple winners by allowing more than one player to claim full house.
- Break Time Tambola: This variation is popular in workplaces, where people play a quick game during their tea or lunch break. The numbers are called faster, and usually, only simple patterns like the top line, corners, or full house are played.
What are the Strategies to Win Tambola?
While Tambola (Housie) is mostly a game of chance, there are a few strategies that can increase your odds of winning. From staying alert to buying multiple tickets, these simple tactics can give you an edge during gameplay. Here are some of the best strategies to help you win at Tambola:
Stay Focused and Alert
The most important strategy is to remain focused throughout the game. Pay close attention to the numbers being called and cross-check them with your ticket(s) right away. Missing a number can mean losing a potential winning pattern, such as the corners in tambola or the top line. Avoid distractions, and ensure you’re listening carefully to every number announced.
Buy Multiple Tickets
One of the simplest ways to improve your chances of winning is by purchasing more than one ticket. With multiple tickets, the likelihood of completing the required patterns or achieving a full house increases. However, this can be challenging, as managing more tickets requires extra focus. Keep an organised method of checking each ticket to avoid missing numbers on any of them.
Target Early Patterns
Many Tambola games offer smaller prizes for early patterns like the corner in tambola (where you mark the four corner numbers on your ticket) or the early five (the first five numbers to be crossed out). Focus on these quick wins before aiming for the full house. Often, these patterns are easier to achieve and are awarded early in the game.
Play in Smaller Groups
If you have the choice, try to play in smaller groups or with fewer participants. The more people there are, the higher the competition and the lower your chances of winning. In a smaller group, your odds of achieving a winning pattern increase, making it more likely that you’ll claim one of the prizes.
Manage Your Tickets Efficiently
If you have multiple tickets, ensure you’re managing them effectively. Some people find it useful to organise their tickets based on the layout of the numbers. For example, place tickets with similar number clusters together so you can mark off numbers more quickly.
Conclusion
Tambola is a game that transcends generations and is cherished by people all over India. Whether you’re playing it casually with friends or at a large event, the excitement of marking off your numbers and waiting for the next call is always thrilling. Now that you know the basic tambola rules, tambola winning patterns, and what the corners in tambola mean, you’re ready to host or join a game and have a great time!
So the next time you’re at a party or gathering, suggest Tambola—because it’s the number one game in India for a reason!