There have been several mathematical models explored to understand the distribution of numbers in bingo, one of the main ones being the Granville bingo method.
This method suggests that patterns in number selection could potentially influence outcomes, especially if selecting bingo cards with a good balance of numbers.
Granville’s method overview
As its name implies, the Granville bingo method was introduced by Joseph E. Granville, a mathematician and financial analyst. This was first published in his book ‘How to Win at Bingo’, with the theory emphasising both number balance and probability, proposing that ideal bingo tickets should contain a few key things. The criteria in question are as follows:
- A balanced mix of low and high numbers.
- An even distribution of even and odd numbers.
- A varied range of last digits amongst the numbers selected.
The Granville bingo method suggests that since numbers are drawn completely at random, maintaining a balance of these on the ticket could potentially lead to more consistent matches.
Even with these principles being backed by mathematical reasoning, it's crucial to remember that classic and online bingo always remains a game of chance, with randomness dictating each and every outcome.
To better understand the Granville bingo method, it is useful to first grasp the basics of playing bingo games, a simple format to understand.
- In 90 ball bingo, each ticket features 15 numbers spread across a 5x3 grid. During play, whether that be online or in person, a caller will announce randomly drawn numbers, with players marking them off on their card should they match. The overall aim by doing this is to either complete a line or a full house.
- This same exact concept carries over to 75 ball bingo as well, with the main difference here being that the numbers are instead displayed across a 5x5 grid.
The Granville method applies to both popular formats.
Effectiveness of Granville's theory
Since it was first introduced, the effectiveness of the Granville bingo method has been debated widely. While the approach has its own mathematical principles, the reliance on random number generators in bingo means that no selection approach can alter the odds of the game in a predictable way.
The Granville method is rooted in both statistical distribution and probability, with the idea of selecting a ticket with a balanced mix of numbers seeming logical from the outside. However, since each number has an equal chance of being drawn, number patterns do not actually influence the outcomes in a measurable way. Because of this, the randomness of numbers being drawn remains the largest limitation of the Granville bingo method.
Even with Joseph E. Granville being a respected mathematician and his theories gaining recognition within the bingo world, his approach still lacks any evidence supporting its overall effectiveness. Despite the ideas he presented being interesting from a mathematical point of view, they still lack any definitive edge during bingo play. This is due to the random number generators featured in bingo and slot games, which make predicting outcomes impossible.
Comparison with Tippett's method
Another mathematical perspective on the game of bingo comes from the English statistician Leonard Tippett. This theory differs significantly from the Granville method in terms of its approach, which is based on the middle-range numbers in different bingo formats.
The Tippett bingo strategy is based on the concept that in a bingo game that stretches over a longer period, any new numbers drawn are likely to gravitate towards the median number of that format. For example, that would be 45 in 90 ball bingo. In comparison, the shorter bingo games see numbers towards the extremes, those being 1 and 90 when using the same format as a basis, become more common.
Unlike the focus on balance and distribution in Granville’s theory, the Tippett bingo method instead attempts to predict the tendencies of numbers when factoring the length of the game.
However, both theories rely on probability completely. Despite this, Tippett’s theory emphasises the behaviour of numbers drawn over a period, whereas the Granville bingo method revolves around ticket selection. Regardless of the differences, though, neither method can change the randomness of bingo calls.
If you want to exemplify the differences between these two methods even further, let's bring 75 ball bingo into the equation. For a short game, Tippett’s method would suggest selecting numbers near 1 and 75, whereas a longer game would favour numbers around 38. On the other hand, the Granville bingo method would recommend a mix of odd, even, high and low numbers.
A great way to experience different theories and formats in play is through free bingo games available to play online.
