Quick answer
The small diamond is the free space plus the four squares that touch it: the N square above, the N square below, and the I and G squares on either side. Only 4 numbers are needed because the center is free. One card has about a 7.5% chance by call 40, and with 500 cards in play someone usually completes it around call 18.
Which squares form the small diamond?
The small diamond sits right in the middle of the card, wrapped around the free space. You need:
- N2: the N square just above the free space (31–45)
- I3: the middle square of the I column (16–30)
- G3: the middle square of the G column (46–60)
- N4: the N square just below the free space (31–45)
Add the free space and you have five marked squares in a tight diamond. Some hall boards draw it as a small cross or plus, which is the same set of squares.
Small diamond odds by call
With four specific numbers needed, the math matches four corners exactly for a single card:
| Calls made | Chance one card has the small diamond |
|---|---|
| 30 | 2.3% |
| 40 | 7.5% |
| 50 | 19% |
| 60 | 40% |
Half of single cards finish by call 64. Room results differ slightly from four corners because two of the numbers come from the N column, which only has four squares on each card. Our simulation puts the first winner around call 28 with 50 cards and call 18 with 500 cards.
Small diamond vs. four corners
Both are 4-number games with one way to win, so they take about the same time on average. The difference is where you look: four corners lives in the B and O columns, while the small diamond lives in I, N and G. Hosts sometimes run them back to back so players focus on different parts of the card.
Tips for players
- Watch the I, N and G calls. Anything from 1–15 or 61–75 is irrelevant for this game.
- Find your four numbers before the first ball. They sit right next to the free space, so they’re easy to spot.
- Don’t confuse it with the big diamond. The diamond is an outline that touches all four edges of the card and needs 8 numbers.
Tips for callers and hosts
This is a good pattern for beginners and children: it’s compact, easy to see, and checking a claim takes four numbers. In a busy hall it finishes quickly, so pair it with a small prize. Make the name clear on your pattern board, because “small cross” in some halls means the same thing, while a plus sign is usually the full middle row and column.
Variations
- Small diamond, no free space: a few halls require the diamond outline only, which plays the same since the free space is automatic.
- Large diamond: the full diamond, touching the middle of each edge.
- Plus sign: the whole middle row and N column, a 9-square cross.
Frequently asked questions
Is the small diamond the same as a small cross?
On a bingo card, yes. The four squares around the free space form a diamond outline, and with the free space filled in they look like a small plus sign, so halls use both names for the same pattern.
How many numbers do you need for a small diamond?
Four: one each from the I and G columns and two from the N column. The free space in the middle is already marked.
Which columns does the small diamond use?
It uses the I, N and G columns only, so B (1–15) and O (61–75) calls can't help.
Keep reading
Diamond Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The diamond bingo pattern is an 8-square outline touching the middle of every edge. See the exact squares, the real odds by call, and tips for hosts.
Plus Sign Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
The plus sign bingo pattern is the full middle row and full N column, crossing at the free space. See the 8 numbers you need and the exact odds.
Four Corners Bingo Pattern: Rules, Odds & Tips
Four corners bingo needs just the four corner squares of your card. See exactly which numbers count, the real odds by call, and when halls use it.
Bingo Patterns
Every bingo pattern with a picture, rules and how many numbers you need.