Tambola, or Housie, is a game of fun, but like any game, it has a set of rules to ensure fair play and maximum enjoyment for everyone involved. Whether you're the host or a player, understanding these rules is key to a successful game. This guide covers the essential Tambola rules, from setting up the game to claiming your winnings.
The Host's Responsibilities
- Number Calling: The host is responsible for drawing numbers from 1 to 90, one at a time, and announcing them clearly. They should ensure the number is announced only once and is placed on the board for verification purposes.
- Declaring Dividends: Before the game begins, the host must clearly announce the winning combinations or 'dividends' that will be played, along with their respective prizes.
- Verifying Claims: When a player claims a prize, the host must pause the game and verify the ticket. This involves checking if all the struck numbers on the player's ticket match the called numbers on the board.
- Handling Bogey Claims: If a player makes a false claim (a "bogey"), the host is responsible for enforcing the penalty, which could range from disqualifying the dividend claim to voiding the entire ticket. The rules for bogeys should be announced beforehand.
Player Rules and Etiquette
- One Ticket, One Player: Generally, a ticket can only be claimed by the person playing it, unless house rules state otherwise.
- Attentive Play: Players must pay attention to the numbers called and strike them off their tickets promptly.
- Claiming Prizes: A player must stop the game by shouting "Tambola" or "Housie" as soon as they complete a dividend. Claims made after the next number has been called are usually considered invalid.
- Honesty is Key: Players should never mark a number that has not been called. Cheating can lead to disqualification from the game.
Standard Winning Dividends
The heart of Tambola lies in its winning patterns. The host decides which dividends will be in play. Here is a list of the most common Tambola dividends:
- Early Five / Quick Five: The first player to have any five numbers struck off on their ticket. This is often the first prize of the game.
- Four Corners: The ticket that has all four corner numbers struck off. The corners are the first and last numbers of the top and bottom rows.
- Top Row (First Line): When all five numbers in the top horizontal row are struck off.
- Middle Row (Second Line): When all five numbers in the middle horizontal row are struck off.
- Bottom Row (Third Line): When all five numbers in the bottom horizontal row are struck off.
- Full House: The most coveted prize. A Full House is when all 15 numbers on a ticket are struck off. The game usually ends after the first Full House is successfully claimed.
For more creative dividend ideas, especially for online Tambola for parties, hosts can invent their own patterns like 'Letter L', 'Letter C', or 'Heart'.
Special Rules and Variations
- Multiple Claims: If two players claim the same dividend on the same number, the prize money is typically shared between them.
- Bogey/False Claims: If a player makes a wrong claim, their ticket might be disqualified ('folded'). This rule should be clearly communicated at the start. When playing an online Tambola game, the system prevents false claims, making the game smoother.
- Ticket Price: For games involving money, the host sets a ticket price. The collected amount forms the prize pool, which is then distributed among the dividend winners.
Conclusion
Understanding these basic rules is all you need to dive into the world of Tambola. The game is designed to be social and flexible, so feel free to adapt the dividends and house rules to suit your party's vibe. The most important rule is to have fun! Ready to test your knowledge? Why not generate some tickets and start a game?