How Do You Predict Numbers in Bingo?

Bingo is one of the world’s favourite games of chance. But being a game of chance, much of the fun relies on luck. Numbers are called at random, allowing players little control over gameplay.

However, the most impassioned players have a few tools to help guess each round’s digits.

Many players want to know: how do you predict numbers in bingo? Two mathematicians developed theories of how to use statistical probability and patterns to formulate logical guesses on which numbers will be pulled.

Predicting numbers in bingo isn’t unlike counting cards. There’s a finite amount of numbers to pull in a bingo game, so you can eliminate each pulled digit. Probability dictates a uniform spread; the distribution of even and odd numbers, low and high digits, and numbers ending in different digits.

The longer the games go on, the more numbers you’ll be able to eliminate from the pool, and the better you’ll be able to establish a pattern.

You can use the spread and the dwindling remaining number pool to make educated guesses about the remaining numbers to be pulled. Joseph Granville and Leonard Tippett explained how to apply these realities mathematically to bingo digits.

Granville Theory

Some people play bingo for the fun of the game, and some play to win. Those hoping to claim victory employ math and statistical probability to select the best numbers.

Joseph E. Granville, an American financial writer, developed a number prediction theory so popular he turned it into a book.

Granville published How to Win at Bingo in 1977. The book explained his approach to the game and how he used probability and math to make reasonable predictions about the numbers called.

The Math Behind Granville’s Theory

Granville’s Theory revolves around 75-ball bingo, the American standard. Each ball has a unique number; once it is called, it is no longer in play, so you have fewer and fewer numbers available as the game progresses.

After studying numerous bingo games and patterns, Granville determined that 60 percent of the first ten balls picked in most rounds contain unique final numbers.

All numbers are pulled randomly, meaning each number is equally likely to be called.

Granville’s theory states that: the longer the balls are drawn, the more the balance between odd and evens will equal out. The more numbers pulled, the better the balance between high and low numbers. Numbers ending in unique digits spread more evenly the longer the game goes on.

While this doesn’t provide an absolute ability to foresee subsequent numbers, eliminating potential digits and observing the developing patterns allows players to formulate reasonable prognostications.

How To Apply Granville’s Theory

Granville suggests selecting a card with highly varied numbers; with a spread evenly divided between high, low, even, and odd numbers; and containing numbers with different final digits.

Part of the charm of Granville’s theory is that it doesn’t hinge on purchasing more cards. A large spread of digits on a low number of cards allows players to cover all of their bases while still acknowledging probability.

Does Granville’s Theory Work?

Whether Granville’s theory works requires a more nuanced answer than yes or no. Unsatisfying as it is, the honest answer is sometimes.

The theory is based on logic, probability, and statistical analysis. Granville applied careful study and rigorous math to develop this method.

This theory makes the most sense over a prolonged period. The method, however, lacks specificity. Additionally, probabilities may change throughout the night, impacting the observed patterns and players’ abilities to read and react to them.

Granville’s theory may work out; it may not. Though it’s based on statistical probability, it provides more of an illusion of control than actual control. The theory helps players make educated guesses, but they’re still only guesses.

 

Tippett Theory

Another theory that can help answer the question “how do you predict numbers in bingo?” is the one from Tippett. British statistician Leonard Tippett, born in 1902, never set out to develop what many consider the best bingo theory in the world. The mathematician studied random number generation. However, game of chance players quickly realised Tippett’s observations applied to lotteries and bingo.

The Math Behind Tippett’s Theory

Tippett’s theory is based on 75-ball bingo as well. However, Tippet established his method around averages, requiring more math than Granville’s.

Tippett advises players to determine the game’s perfect average. We do this by adding together every number available, then dividing by how many numbers we’ve totalled. For example, in 75 ball bingo, we would add “1+2+3+4…” including every number between 1 and 75. Having achieved the total, we then divide by 75 since that is the number of digits we added.

38 is the perfect average for 75 ball bingo, and the same basic principles used to determine that number apply to every permutation of the game.

Tippett’s theory stated that the longer a game continued, the closer to 38 the numbers drawn would be.

How to Apply Tippett’s Theory

Determining the average doesn’t immediately present an advantage. However, once players know it, they can apply it to card selection.

Tippett believed that for simple games, like completing a line or a Full House, winners occur pretty quickly, so players should pick numbers on either end of the spectrum, choosing an even spread of digits close to 1 and those near 75.

Longer running games require callers to pull more balls, and Tippet recommends choosing numbers closer to the average of 38 for those rounds.

Of course, applying this theory requires players to speculate the length of each game. While many variables dictating the duration of a match are beyond our control, certain observations help players make reasonable guesses about how long a round will run.

Make a note of how many players are participating in each game. More players involved usually translates to shorter games. Additionally, pay attention to how many cards are in play. Games featuring more significant numbers of active cards usually end quicker.

Does Tippett’s Theory Work?

Tippett’s theory doesn’t necessarily have a lot of practical merits. The method fails to factor in external considerations like the number of players or how many tickets each player has bought.

However, the practice has statistical value. Tippett’s Theory is a tool, not a certainty. It enables players to make reasonable assumptions about what numbers might be called.

 

Conclusion

So, how do you predict numbers in bingo? There is, unfortunately, no surefire way to accurately predict exact numbers in bingo. However, Tippett’s and Granville’s theories enable players to observe patterns and develop reasonable guesses of what digits remain to be called. These methods don’t guarantee victory; however, they lend an element of control players relish.

Last updated: Jan 24, 2023