Bingo is a game of elegance and simplicity -- and it's even easier online.

The objective of any style of bingo is to complete the game pattern on your bingo card before any other player. If a pattern is completed, a "bingo" is achieved and a winner is crowned.

When playing online, cards are randomly selected for the player. Usually a player will only receive three or four cards at once. But some sites do offer players more cards.

Every online bingo game has a caller or a display board; this helps the player see the number being called, as well as keeping track of numbers already called.

It's important to pay attention to the pattern. Patterns are always displayed in clear view for the player (they are usually displayed up on the display board). To achieve a Bingo, you need to form the current pattern. Some patterns are easier than others to complete. The most basic patterns are straight lines in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction. Another simple and popular game is the "blackout" or "coverall", which is when patterns must cover all numbers on the card for the player to win.

Numbers are announced quickly, usually 10 seconds apart, so you must pay careful attention to the numbers that are being called and mark them quickly and accurately on your cards. Some sites offer auto-daubers, which automatically marks the numbers, but it takes much of the fun out of the game.

The play is continuous until one or more players calls bingo. Once bingo is achieved, all the numbers are verified and the game is over. Once the winner's cards are checked over, the prize is awarded, a new game begins. In the case of two winners, the prize is split.