Introduction

Why is it that some bingo players, online bingo players included, seem to have all the luck? You know the type, the ones who win no matter what they do, or what strategy they play. ‘Dumb luck’ is just one of life’s variables that no computer programme or advanced theory of physics can account for – you either have it or you don’t.

However, that doesn’t stop many bingo players from trying to court Lady Luck through various means, including the arcane. Lucky charms, checking daily horoscopes, lucky seats (even online bingo players have lucky seats) and the ever present lucky numbers all play their part in convincing many players today is the day they hit the jackpot!

But, and this is a big but, do some methods provide a better way to increasing your odds at winning in bingo? In fact, is there any methodology out there over and above sheer alertness that increases you odds at winning?

Science in all its forms will tell you no. The laws of probability dictate that games of chance (and bingo is a game of chance) cannot be influenced by events or techniques and actions independent of the game itself. To believe so is to deny reality. Science even has terms for such beliefs – ‘Gambler’s Fallacy’, ‘Illusion of control’.

Yet people do win at bingo, and people do believe winners often just happen to have the right set of circumstances acting in their favour. And divining those set of circumstances beyond the ‘dumb luck’ of the draw is what accounts for some of the strange idiosyncrasies we see being displayed by many bingo players.

Here are a few of them:

Lucky charms

Three out of four people carry charms according to statistics. Charms can be anything from lucky socks, special jewelry, or some other inanimate object. For some, a special friend can act as a lucky charm Troll dolls, favourite dice, four-leaf-clovers, rabbit’s feet, pet rocks: bingo players have employed them all in the search for a win.

Lucky seats

This common superstition is probably due to a player simply feeling more comfortable, and therefore able to concentrate more when sitting in a particular seat.

Lucky money

While some players place lucky coins across the top of their cards, many others would never dream of putting money on the table, just in case it curses them with bad luck.

Lucky numbers

Simply pick a number in bingo and somebody will have a superstition about it. Birth dates, auspicious sports results and previous winning numbers all go into the hat.

Some Lesser Known Bingo Superstitions

• Never lend a friend money - it is a mortal sin to share winnings!
• Never sit at the same table as friends.
• Never yell “Bingo!â€? falsely – the evil eye will be directed at you.
• Borrowing a dabber will transfer the other player’s bad luck to you.
• In land-based bingo, bring your kids to the bingo hall – it will show you are a good person ready for luck.
• Sit near older players – they tend to win more and their luck may rub off.
• Number 13 can be a lucky number for some.
• Avoid bingo if a black cat crosses your path on your way to the bingo hall.
• Avoid the number seven.
• Do not get up during a call – very bad luck.
• Do not leave a game until the final ball.
• Always sitting at the same table might lead to catching the curse left by unlucky players.
• Play on the same day of every week.
• Never wear black - the winds of fortune might run off you.

Does it all work?

The honest answer is we don’t know.

According to superstition expert Vyse, the fallibility of human reason is the
greatest single source of superstitious belief. However, perhaps a definition for superstition could be, “a belief that a given action can bring good luck or bad luck when there are no rational or generally acceptable grounds for such a belief”, according to M. Thalbourne

Bingo superstitions are what they are: Superstitions. And for many bingo players, they make playing just that little bit more exciting. Who are we to deny them?

References

British Council BBC: http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/think/methodology/young_learners.shtml

Teaching Ideas: http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/

Online Gaming Research: http://www.freewebs.com/mick15/home.htm

The Standards Site: http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/?version=1

Written by John Witherspoon - Play bingo online at http://bingostreet.com/ and read celebrity gossip.

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