Group GamesHuman Bingo
An icebreaker for a new class, a new team or a family reunion. Everybody walks around to find people who match the boxes on their sheet, and collects their names.
- Players
- 8 or more
- Time
- 15 minutes
- You need
- A printed grid for each person, pens
- Ages
- 12 and above
- Type
- Office games and icebreakers
Who it suits and when to play
Human Bingo suits groups of eight or more people who do not know each other well: a new batch, a team offsite, a society get-together or the first day of a workshop. Everybody must walk around and talk, which is exactly the point. Allow fifteen minutes and a room where people can move. It works with teenagers as well as adults.
How to play
- Give each person a grid of boxes. Each box has a description, such as "has a pet" or "can whistle".
- Players walk around and talk to one another.
- When someone fits a description, write that person's name in the box. A name may be used only once on a sheet.
- The first player to fill a full row, or the whole sheet, shouts "Bingo!"
- End by asking a few people to share the most surprising thing they learned.
Boxes for the grid
- Has a pet at home
- Can whistle a tune
- Was born in the same month as you
- Has never missed a morning tea
- Can cook a dish from another state
- Speaks three languages
- Has travelled by ship or boat
- Plays a musical instrument
- Is the youngest in the family
- Has the same favourite colour as you
- Wakes up before 6 am
- Has read a book this month
- Has climbed a hill or mountain
- Can ride a bicycle without hands
- Loves bitter gourd
- Has a plant on the desk or window
- Can name all seven colours of the rainbow in order
- Has lived in more than two cities
- Knows how to stitch a button
- Has the same number of brothers and sisters as you
- Has flown a kite this year
- Is left-handed
- Likes winter more than summer
- Can do ten push-ups
- Has a handwritten diary
Tips and variations
- Choose descriptions that are easy and friendly. Nothing about age, income, marks or private life.
Common problems and how to fix them
- People fill squares without really asking. Each square needs the other person's signature, and one person may sign only one square on a sheet.
- Shy people stand at the side. Pair them with a friendly partner for the first two minutes, or ask the host to introduce them to their first square.
- A square is too personal. Use only light facts: has a pet, plays an instrument, was born in another state. Nothing about age, family or money.
More office games and icebreakers
Need fair teams or someone to go first? Use the team maker. See all 45 games.