What you need
A game can be played together in one room or remotely over the internet. You only need:
- One host to create the game and call numbers.
- At least one player, although a group is much more fun.
- One or more unique Tambola tickets per player.
- A list of winning patterns and any prizes agreed before the first call.
Understand the ticket
A standard Tambola ticket has three rows and nine columns. It contains 15 numbers and 12 blank spaces. Each row contains five numbers.
Columns represent number ranges: the first column contains 1–9, the next 10–19, continuing across the ticket until the final column, which contains 80–90.
Set up and start the game
- The host creates a room and chooses the winning rules.
- Players scan the QR code or open the invitation link, enter their name and choose their ticket quantity.
- Everyone checks the rules and prizes before play begins.
- The host starts the caller only after all expected players have joined.
Listen and mark numbers
The host calls one random number at a time. If that number appears on a player's ticket, the player marks it. A number should only be marked after it has been called.
With digital tickets, tap the number to mark it. The number remains visible beneath a transparent check so the ticket is easy to review.
Make and verify a claim
When a ticket completes a winning pattern, the player makes a claim immediately. The host pauses if needed while the claim is checked against the called numbers.
In Tambola For All, a claim is checked instantly. If the host requires attentive play, only numbers the player marked after hearing them count toward the claim.
Finish and share the results
Play continues until the host's chosen patterns are won or the host finishes the game. The results show each winner, their pattern and their total prize allocation.
Hosts can revisit completed games in their account history and share the result page with players.