3D Bingo game

Bingo is traditionally a game of "luck." It depends virtually entirely on chance. Everyone gets a different card (playing sheet). The numbers called out are selected at random. First, you have to be lucky enough to have the number they call out. Next, you have to be lucky enough such that the number called out is located in a favorable position on your bingo playing card. Then, you have be lucky enough to get five winning numbers in a row (i.e., in a straight line) before anyone else does. Not much you can do about it. You get what you get. Purely by chance. (True, one of your opponents could mess up and forfeit their game by not paying attention and calling out "Bingo" in a timely fashion.) But you can only win by chance. Not everyone will have the same chance as their card(s) will be different, regardless of the number called. --------------------------------------------- Would you like to play a similar game, but one which is based upon skill rather than chance? --------------------------------------------- Here is an easy way. Give all players blank three-dimensional playing sheets. Everyone will have identical 3-D game sheets. No chance here (but no skill either, so far.) There are 4x4x4 = 64 possible positions on the 3D Bingo game sheet. (Print a copy for each player.) Have the random positions called out by a neutral party. One way is roll a standard die (1-6), and re-roll should it come up 5 or 6, until you have selected the four-dimensional coordinates.* A-D (1-4 on the die) 1-4 a-d (1-4 on the die) (See example list of random rolls) * Alternately, you can have the computer pick the random positions. When the number is announced, everyone marks their game sheet. (Marking down the turn or number may be helpful but not essential) Repeat for the next number. As soon as someone realizes they have four-in-a-straight-line, they call out "Bingo" (or some other appropriate pronouncement to claim their victory.) Remember everyone's card is identical. Everyone's marks will be the same (unless they screw up and mark their card incorrectly.) Everyone has exactly the same chance to win. The skill will be in recognizing quickly the "virtual rows" that intertwine the three dimensions. Some people will be better than others at doing this. (Some may not be able to do it at all.)