Quick answer
Four corners bingo is won by marking the four corner squares of the card: the top and bottom of the B column and the top and bottom of the O column. It needs exactly 4 numbers and the free space plays no part. One card has a 7.5% chance of four corners by the 40th call, while in a hall with 500 cards the first winner usually comes around call 19.
Which squares make four corners?
Four corners is exactly what it sounds like: the four corner squares of a 75-ball card.
- B1 (top of the B column) and B5 (bottom of the B column), both numbers from 1–15
- O1 (top of the O column) and O5 (bottom of the O column), both numbers from 61–75
That’s it. The free space doesn’t help, and nothing in the I, N or G columns counts. Because two corners come from the B column and two from the O column, you’re only ever waiting on low and high numbers.
Four corners odds by call
We worked these out exactly. With only 4 specific numbers needed, the math is simple: the chance all four have been called.
| Calls made | Chance one card has four corners |
|---|---|
| 30 | 2.3% |
| 40 | 7.5% |
| 50 | 19% |
| 60 | 40% |
Half of single cards finish by call 64, which surprises many players. With just one way to win, one card can wait a long time. In a full room it’s a different story: the first four corners usually lands around call 29 with 50 cards and call 19 with 500 cards in our simulation.
Tips for players
- Glance at your corners when you sit down. Note your four corner numbers so you can react quickly when they come up.
- Only watch B and O calls. Calls in the I, N and G columns can’t help you, so you can relax on those.
- More cards matter here. Since each card has only one way to win, extra cards add real chances. See our guide to how many cards to play.
Tips for callers and hosts
Four corners is a great teaching game for new players, kids and senior groups because it’s simple to see and simple to check. In a busy hall it finishes quickly, so it suits a small prize or a warm-up between bigger games. In a small group of 10–20 players it can run surprisingly long, so consider a postage stamp instead if you want a quick winner.
Checking is fast: the caller reads back just four numbers.
Variations
- Four corners plus free space: some halls add the center, which makes no difference to the numbers needed.
- Inside four corners: the four corners of the inner 3×3 square (I2, G2, I4, G4).
- Four corners or a line: corners counts as an extra way to win a regular line game.
- Outside edge: the full frame around the card, a much longer game.
Frequently asked questions
What numbers do you need for four corners in bingo?
You need the four numbers in the corner squares: the top and bottom numbers of the B column (1–15) and the top and bottom numbers of the O column (61–75). Nothing else on the card matters.
Is four corners easier than a line?
It needs only 4 numbers, but there's only one way to make it, compared with 12 ways to make a line. On one card a line usually comes first: about 45% of cards have a line by call 40, against 7.5% for four corners.
Can you win four corners using the free space?
No. The free space is in the center of the card, and four corners only uses the outer corner squares.
Keep reading
Postage Stamp Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
Postage stamp bingo is a 2x2 block of four squares in any corner of the card. See all four positions, the exact odds by call, and tips for hosts.
Outside Edge Bingo Pattern (Picture Frame): Rules, Odds & Tips
Outside edge bingo, or picture frame, covers all 16 border squares of the card. See exact odds by call, how long it takes, and where it fits in a session.
Single Line Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
Single line bingo means five in a row across, down or diagonally. See all 12 winning lines, how the free space helps, and the real odds by call.
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