How to Play Tambola
Everything you need to know to get started
Tambola (also known as Housie) is a popular number game played with friends and family. A caller draws numbers from 1 to 90 one at a time, and players mark matching numbers on their tickets. Complete specific patterns to win awards!
Each ticket is a grid with 3 rows and 9 columns. Every row has 5 numbers and 4 blank cells.
Host a Game
Create a room, invite friends online, call numbers and manage awards in real-time.
Call Numbers
Use your phone as a number caller for in-person games with paper tickets. Works offline!
For the Host
- Create a room and share the room code with your friends.
- Set the number of tickets per player and configure awards.
- Wait for all players to join and mark themselves Ready.
- Start the game and call numbers one at a time.
- When a player claims an award, review their ticket and confirm or reject.
For Players
- Join the room using the code or link shared by the host.
- Choose how many tickets you want and tap Ready.
- When a number is called, tap it on your ticket to mark it.
- When you complete an award pattern, tap the award button to claim it.
- Wait for the host to confirm your win!
Perfect for family gatherings! Use your device as the Tambola caller while everyone plays with paper tickets.
- Manual mode: Tap "Next Number" to call numbers one by one.
- Auto mode: Numbers are called automatically. Pick an interval (3s, 5s, 8s, 12s) or type your own (1-30 seconds).
- Voice announcements: Numbers are read aloud with digit-by-digit pronunciation. Supports multiple Indian languages!
- Board: A 1-90 grid shows all called and remaining numbers at a glance.
Complete these patterns on your ticket to win. The host can customise which awards are active and how many winners are allowed for each.
| Award | How to Win | Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Early Five | Be the first to mark any 5 called numbers on your ticket | 1 |
| First Line | Mark all 5 numbers in row 1 of your ticket | 1 |
| Second Line | Mark all 5 numbers in row 2 of your ticket | 1 |
| Third Line | Mark all 5 numbers in row 3 of your ticket | 1 |
| Big Corner | Mark all 4 corner numbers of your ticket set | 1 |
| Full House | Mark all 15 numbers on a single ticket | 2 |
| Bamboo | Ask the host for the rule | 1 |
| Vyjayanti Mala | Ask the host for the rule | 1 |
| India | Ask the host for the rule | 1 |
| Pakistan | Ask the host for the rule | 1 |
| Temperature | Ask the host for the rule | 1 |
| Upper House | Ask the host for the rule | 1 |
| Lower House | Ask the host for the rule | 1 |
- Only mark numbers that have actually been called.
- Claim an award immediately when you complete the pattern -- don't wait!
- If your claim is wrong, the host will reject it. No penalty, just keep playing.
- The host's decision is final on all disputed claims.
- Blank cells never count toward any award.
The app is available in multiple languages. Tap the language button to cycle through:
- English
- Hinglish (Hindi in English script)
- Hindi (Devanagari script)
- Pungreji (Punjabi in English script)
- Chhattisgarhi (Devanagari script)
- Gujarati (Gujarati script)
Number announcements also speak in the selected language!