16 Tambola Winning Patterns, Explained with Diagrams
Early Five and Full House are just the start. Here are the 16 most popular Tambola (Housie) patterns, each shown on a real ticket, plus suggestions for which ones to play with your group.
Every example below uses the same sample ticket, so you can compare the patterns side by side. The highlighted (gold) numbers are the ones a player needs to strike off to claim that prize.
1How patterns work
A Tambola ticket has 3 rows, 9 columns and 15 numbers — five in each row. Before the first number is called, the host announces which patterns are "open" for prizes. As numbers are called, the first player to complete a pattern shouts their claim, and the host checks it against the called numbers. Once a pattern has been won, it is closed for the rest of that game (unless you agreed in advance to have a second winner for it).
New to the game? Read the complete Tambola rules first, then come back here to pick your patterns.
216 popular patterns, with diagrams
Early Five (Jaldi Paanch)
The first player to strike off any five numbers anywhere on the ticket. It usually goes within the first 10–20 calls, so it is the perfect warm-up prize.
Top Line
All five numbers in the first row. One of the three classic line prizes.
Middle Line
All five numbers in the second row.
Bottom Line
All five numbers in the third row.
Four Corners
The first and last numbers of the top row and the bottom row. Note: corners are the first and last numbers, not the empty boxes at the edge of the grid.
Star (King's Corners)
The four corners plus the centre number of the middle row (its 3rd number). Five numbers that make a star shape.
Bamboo / Rangoli Centre
The middle (3rd) number of every row — three numbers standing in a line like a bamboo stick.
Ladoo
Just one number: the centre number of the middle row. Over in a flash — great as a quick sweet prize (a ladoo, of course).
Pyramid
One number from the top row (the 3rd), two from the middle (the 2nd and 4th) and three from the bottom (the 1st, 3rd and 5th). Six numbers shaped like a pyramid.
Young Five
The five smallest numbers on your ticket, wherever they sit.
Old Five
The five biggest numbers on your ticket. Elders love claiming this one.
Temperature
Only two numbers: the smallest and the largest number on the ticket — the minimum and maximum temperature.
Breakfast
Every number on your ticket from the first three columns (1–29). Played together with Lunch and Dinner.
Lunch
Every number in the middle three columns (30–59).
Dinner
Every number in the last three columns (60–90).
Full House
All 15 numbers on the ticket. The biggest prize of the game; many hosts also play a Second Full House.
3How many patterns should you play?
More patterns means more winners, but it also means more stopping to check claims. These combinations work well for most groups:
| Group | Suggested patterns | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Small family (5–10 players) | Early Five, Top/Middle/Bottom Line, Full House | The classic six prizes. Everyone knows them and nobody needs explaining. |
| Big party (15–40 players) | Early Five, Corners, three Lines, Full House, Second Full House | Extra prizes keep more people in the game until the end. |
| Kids at the table | Ladoo, Temperature, Early Five, Full House | Ladoo and Temperature finish fast, so small children win early and stay happy. |
| Kitty party / ladies' group | Young Five, Old Five, Star, Breakfast–Lunch–Dinner, Full House | Unusual patterns feel fresh for groups who play every month. |
| Online (Zoom / WhatsApp) | Early Five, Lines, Full House | Simple patterns are easy to verify over a camera. |
4Rules that prevent arguments
- Announce patterns first. Write them on a sheet or say them before the first number. Never add a new pattern mid-game.
- Define "corners" clearly. Corners are the first and last numbers of the top and bottom rows — not the edge boxes, which can be empty.
- Claim before the next number. Once the next number is called, a late claim is a "bogey" and doesn't count.
- Ties share the prize. If two players complete the same pattern on the same number, split the prize or give both a small gift.
- Verify on the board. Our free voice caller keeps a board of every number called, so checking a claim takes seconds.
5Make your own pattern
Half the fun of Tambola is inventing house patterns. A few that families have told us they love:
- Birthday Number: the birthday person's age (or date) must be on your ticket and called — plus any four more numbers.
- Odd One Out: five odd numbers anywhere on the ticket.
- Lucky Seven: every number on your ticket that ends in 7.
- Diwali patterns: Diya Corners, Rangoli Centre and the super-fast Phuljhadi round — see our Diwali Tambola guide.
Whatever you invent, keep it simple enough that the host can verify it in a few seconds.
6Frequently asked questions
Which Tambola pattern is the hardest to win?
Full House is the hardest because all 15 numbers must be called. In a typical family game it is won after roughly 70–85 numbers have been called.
What are corners in Tambola?
Corners are the first and last numbers of the top row and the first and last numbers of the bottom row — four numbers in total. They are not the empty boxes at the edge of the ticket.
Can two people win the same pattern?
Yes, if both complete it on the same called number. Most groups split the prize or give both players something small.
What is Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Tambola?
Breakfast is every number on your ticket from 1–29, Lunch is every number from 30–59, and Dinner is every number from 60–90.
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