Quick answer
The ladder bingo pattern uses the full B and O columns as the two rails and the full second and fourth rows as rungs. It covers 16 squares, and because neither rungs nor rails touch the center, the free space doesn't help: you need all 16 numbers. One card has a 1.75% chance by call 60, and with 500 cards in play the first ladder usually comes around call 53.
Which squares make the ladder?
Two rails and two rungs:
- Left rail: the whole B column (1–15)
- Right rail: the whole O column (61–75)
- Upper rung: I2, N2, G2 (B2 and O2 are on the rails)
- Lower rung: I4, N4, G4
16 squares, 16 numbers. Because the rungs are on rows 2 and 4, the middle row (and its free space) is left as the gap between rungs. That makes the ladder one of the few big patterns that gets no help from the center.
Ladder odds by call
Exact single-card figures:
| Calls made | Chance one card has the ladder |
|---|---|
| 40 | under 0.01% |
| 50 | 0.06% |
| 60 | 1.75% |
| 70 | 29% |
Half of single cards finish by call 73. In a room, our simulation puts the first ladder at about call 60 with 50 cards and call 53 with 500 cards, about the same as the outside edge, which also needs 16 numbers.
If the ladder may also lie on its side (rails on the top and bottom rows, rungs in the I and G columns), the 500-card figure improves to around call 51.
Tips for players
- Rails first. Ten of your 16 numbers are in the B and O columns.
- Rungs are just three numbers each. Once the rails are done, each rung needs only I, N and G.
- Skip the middle row. Anything on row 3 is wasted for this pattern.
Tips for callers and hosts
The ladder is a long, late-session pattern for a bigger prize. You can run it as a “climb the ladder” game, where the same card pays a small prize for railroad tracks-style rails and a bigger one for the finished ladder. The theme also suits a volunteer fire company fundraiser.
Ladder layouts differ between halls, so put the diagram on the board.
Variations
- Three-rung ladder: rungs on rows 1, 3 and 5. That’s the same as layer cake plus B2, B4, O2 and O4: 19 squares and 18 numbers.
- Crazy ladder: rails on the top and bottom rows instead.
- Rails only: the B and O columns, 10 numbers.
Frequently asked questions
What squares make a ladder in bingo?
The whole B column and the whole O column for the rails, and rows 2 and 4 for the rungs. That's 16 squares.
Does the free space count in the ladder pattern?
No. The middle row isn't a rung in the standard ladder, so the free space is left empty and all 16 squares need numbers.
Is the ladder harder than layer cake?
Yes, slightly. Layer cake needs 14 numbers because its middle row uses the free space; the ladder needs 16.
Keep reading
Layer Cake Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
Layer cake bingo covers the top, middle and bottom rows of the card: 15 squares, 14 numbers. See the exact odds by call and how hosts use it.
Railroad Tracks Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
Railroad tracks bingo covers the full I and G columns: two parallel lines and 10 numbers. See exact odds by call, crazy versions, and host tips.
Letter H Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The letter H bingo pattern is the B and O columns joined by the middle row: 13 squares, 12 numbers. See the exact layout, odds by call and tips.
Bingo Patterns
Every bingo pattern with a picture, rules and how many numbers you need.