What you need
- A ticket for every player. Each ticket holds 15 random numbers between 1 and 90.
- A caller. Someone draws the numbers 1 to 90 at random, one at a time, and reads each one out.
- A list of prizes. Agree up front which patterns win, such as each line, the four corners and the full house.
Outside India the same game is known as 90-ball bingo.
Playing online removes the paperwork: Team Housie generates a unique ticket for every player, calls the numbers aloud, and checks every claim - or, in auto mode, spots every winner for you.
How a tambola ticket works
A tambola ticket is a grid of 3 rows and 9 columns. The rules for filling it are:
- Every row has exactly 5 numbers and 4 blank cells, so each ticket has 15 numbers.
- Each column covers one range: the first column holds 1–9, the second 10–19, and so on up to the last column, which holds 80–90.
- Every column has at least one number, and numbers in a column go up from top to bottom.
Because the numbers are spread across all nine columns, every ticket has a fair chance at every prize.
Calling the numbers
The caller draws numbers from 1 to 90 in random order, without repeats, and announces each one. Traditionally each number has its own nickname - 11 is “legs eleven”, 22 is “two little ducks” and 88 is “two fat ladies”. See the full list of tambola number calls.
Players listen for numbers that appear on their ticket and mark them off. In a paper game you cross them out with a pen or dabber; online you tap the number.
Tambola prizes and winning patterns
These are the classic housie prizes, and the six that every Team Housie game plays for:
First Line
All five numbers in the top row are called.
Second Line
All five numbers in the middle row are called.
Third Line
All five numbers in the bottom row are called.
Four Corners
The first and last numbers of the top row, and the first and last numbers of the bottom row, are called.
Full House
All 15 numbers on the ticket are called. Usually the biggest prize.
Second Full House
The next player to complete their whole ticket after the first Full House.
Many groups add house variations such as Early Five (the first player to mark any five numbers) or Pyramid. Agree on them before the first number is called.
Claiming a prize
In a paper game, a player shouts “Housie!” (or the name of the prize) as soon as their pattern is complete, and the caller checks the ticket against the numbers called. A claim made after the next number is called is usually rejected, so players have to stay alert.
If two players complete the same pattern on the same number, they share the prize.
Team Housie lets the host choose how claims work before the game starts:
- Manual mode plays like a paper game. Numbers are not marked for you: listen to the caller and tap each number on your ticket. When a pattern is complete, tap that prize’s icon beside your ticket - First Line, Second Line, Third Line, Four Corners, Full House or Second Full House - to call it. The computer checks your ticket, and if every number in the pattern is marked and has been called, the prize is yours.
- Call before the next number. A prize has to be called before the next number is drawn. Miss that moment and the chance is gone - calling later won’t win it. Players who call the same prize on the same number share it.
- Missed a number? You can still mark any called number later. It just has to be marked before you call a prize that needs it.
- Need a hand? In a manual game, turn on the Auto switch above your ticket. Once the host approves, your ticket is marked and your prizes are awarded for you while everyone else keeps playing manually. The host sees who is on auto and can switch anyone back to manual at any time.
- Auto mode does all of this for you: numbers can be marked automatically, every ticket is checked after each call, and winners are announced instantly with ties shared.
How to play tambola online with friends
- Open Team Housie, enter your name and tap Create game. No sign-up or app is needed.
- Share the 4-digit game code or QR code with your players. Up to 100 people can join from their phones or laptops.
- Everyone gets their own unique ticket. The host picks auto or manual mode and starts the game when the group is ready.
- The computer calls each number aloud with its traditional call, and the board, tickets and leaderboard update live.
- Mark your numbers as they are called. In auto mode prizes are awarded the moment they are won; in manual mode call each prize yourself before the next number. Play continues until the Second Full House.
Playing against the computer
No one around for a game? Choose Play vs computer on the Team Housie homepage and three computer players take a seat at your table. The game is private, so nobody else can join.
- Computer players are always on auto. Their tickets are marked and their prizes awarded the instant a pattern is complete - they never miss a number.
- You are always on manual. Mark your numbers as they are called and tap the prize icon to call it before the next number. Call on the same number a computer player wins and you share the prize.
- Set the pace. Pick the calling speed before you start, and pause or resume whenever you like. If you leave the game, it waits for you.
More tips: tambola with friends and family on WhatsApp or Zoom, and tambola for office teams.