Bingo is one of those games that people either love or hate....and I have to admit that I love it!

I play as often as I can at OLM, surrounded by other bingo fans who enjoy the ebb and flow of excitement and tension as the numbers are called, until someone inevitably calls out, “BINGO!”

The game is simple, not too difficult to figure out, but something about it is fun. The anticipation when players get closer to finishing the pattern, being able to tell your bingo buddies “I’m on!” and they all cheer for you to get it (while still hoping their own cards win first).

There’s more to Bingo than the game, though. The game is a social event in its own right, a chance to get together with your bingo friends and catch up on what’s been going on since you last played. When you play at the same place you become a regular, and people notice when you aren’t there. You see them while running errands in town and they inquire about your reasons for not being there. Once they are reassured that all is well, they proceed to fill you in on how the night went, who won, what numbers the blackout games are up to and so forth.

They are your bingo community, and you share a common language and an appreciation for the game.

We don’t think it is silly to yell out things like the questionable “N-44?” or a high pitched “I –tutu” as those numbers are announced through the game. Bingo players also have their tools of the trade, their own “set up” at the table which they prefer. Some have superstitions like athletes before taking the field. Bingo is a game of chance, yet most players have their own good luck charms or rituals of how they play the game.

Ink daubers with a rainbow of colors to choose from have replaced the plastic tokens of years ago. While I don’t have a good luck charm, I do love the variety of color combinations available in daubers, often using more than one at a time creating an artful look to my games. It doesn’t help me win but, it does make me concentrate harder on what I am doing.

Bingo is a good way to keep my brain working. It’s not rocket science but you do have to pay attention and focus, keeping an eye out for the patterns, and making sure not to confuse or transpose the numbers, which I admit, I catch myself doing at times when I wander off in thought.

The sensation of anticipation building as I get nearer to winning is a contagious feeling. The pit in my stomach, the sweaty palms, the anticipation of yelling out “BINGO” at the draw of each new ball, it’s an adrenaline high!

I think it’s fun just to play and spend the time with friends. I have played at bigger halls out of town that offer bigger jackpots and more challenging games but I prefer playing local at OLM on Saturday nights. The pots are smaller, the games simpler, but the crowd is also smaller making for familiar faces and a friendly group. I look forward to seeing the people there and sharing in the games with them. Plus, the money I pay goes to help the school so I feel like I am making a worthwhile donation while enjoying the evening out with friends.

Of course it’s always fun to win, which by the way I did last Saturday.

I attribute it all to my purple and blue daubers, my lucky color combination for the night.

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