Quick answer
The heart bingo pattern is a solid heart: two bumps at the top (I1 and G1), two full rows across the middle (rows 2 and 3), three squares on row 4, and the point at N5. It covers 16 squares including the free space, so you need 15 numbers. One card has a 2.3% chance by call 60, and with 500 cards in play the first heart usually comes around call 52.
Which squares make the heart?
A solid heart filling most of the card:
- Row 1 (bumps): I1, G1
- Row 2: B2, I2, N2, G2, O2
- Row 3: B3, I3, free space, G3, O3
- Row 4: I4, N4, G4
- Row 5 (point): N5
16 squares, 15 numbers. The top corners and N1 stay empty to make the dip of the heart, and the bottom corners stay empty to taper it to a point.
Heart odds by call
Exact single-card figures:
| Calls made | Chance one card has the heart |
|---|---|
| 40 | under 0.01% |
| 50 | 0.10% |
| 60 | 2.3% |
| 70 | 32% |
Half of single cards finish by call 72. In a room, our simulation puts the first heart at about call 59 with 50 cards and call 52 with 500 cards. A crazy heart (allowed to face any direction) brings the 500-card estimate to around call 48.
Heart vs. blackout
The heart needs 15 of the card’s 24 numbers, so it sits between a mid-size shape and a full card. In a 500-card room, our simulation puts the first heart around call 52, while the first blackout comes around call 60. That makes the heart a good “big game” for a themed night that doesn’t use up the blackout.
Tips for players
- Rows 2 and 3 are the core. Nine of your 15 numbers are in those two rows.
- The I and G columns matter most. You need four from each, all except the bottom square.
- Watch the point. N5 is a single square at the bottom that’s easy to miss when the rest of the heart looks done.
Tips for callers and hosts
The heart is the signature Valentine’s Day pattern and fits any love-themed event: weddings, bridal showers, anniversaries and Mother’s Day. At 15 numbers it’s a long game, so put it late in the session and make it a prize worth winning.
Pair it with the arrow (as Cupid’s arrow) and the letter X for a themed session. Our Valentine’s Day bingo cards are made for party games at home.
Variations
- Crazy heart: turned any direction.
- Heart then blackout: pay the heart, then keep playing the same card to a blackout, which needs 9 more numbers.
Frequently asked questions
What squares make a heart in bingo?
I1 and G1 for the top bumps, all of rows 2 and 3, I4, N4 and G4, and N5 for the point. That's 16 squares, one of which is the free space.
How many numbers are needed for a heart bingo?
Fifteen. The heart covers 16 squares and the free space is in its center.
When do halls play the heart pattern?
Mostly around Valentine's Day, and at weddings, anniversaries, bridal showers and Mother's Day events.
Keep reading
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