Each player receives a card in the number-based game of bingo that has a 5 x 5 grid with randomly chosen numbers on it. The participants mark the numbers on their cards when a caller selects numbers at random. The primary objective is to be the first player to mark a particular pattern—a whole card, for example, or a line—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally since this is known as a "blackout."
A standard bingo card features a "free spac" in the middle in addition to 25 spaces. Each column with the B-I-N-G-O designations represents a distinct range of integers:
- B column: Numbers 1–15
- I column: Numbers 16–30
- N column: Numbers 31–45
- G column: Numbers 46–60
- O column: Numbers 61–75
Players must locate and mark the number on their card when the caller announces each number one at a time. A player calls out "Bingo!" to announce their victory after finishing a particular pattern.