Zingo! facts for kids
Zingo! is a fun game that's a bit like Bingo. The company ThinkFun released it in 2002.
In Zingo!, players try to be the first to fill their game cards. They do this by matching tiles that come out of a special device called the "Zinger."
Contents
How to Play Zingo!
Getting Started
One player acts as the "dealer." This person slides the Zingo! "Zinger" device. The Zinger then shows two small tiles at a time.
Matching Tiles
Players look at the tiles revealed by the Zinger. If a tile matches a picture on their Zingo! card, they quickly call out its name. The first player to call out the name gets to take that tile. They then place the tile on the matching spot on their card.
Winning the Game
The goal is to be the first player to completely fill their Zingo! card with matching tiles. Once a player fills their card, they win the round!
Different Ways to Play
Zingo! cards have two sides. One side is green. These green sides have fewer matching pictures with other cards. This makes the game more relaxed and less competitive. The other side has many similar pictures. This can make the game more exciting and competitive.
Zingo! Game Variations
You can play Zingo! in a few different ways for extra fun:
- Mini-Zingo: The first player to get three pictures in a row wins. This is a quicker version of the game.
- Zany Zingo: Players choose a special pattern to match on their card. This could be a square, an "X" shape, or a cross. The first player to complete their chosen pattern wins.
- Multi-Card Zingo: Players can use more than one Zingo! card at a time. The first player to fill any one of their cards wins the game.
Zingo! in Other Languages
Zingo! is popular around the world. You can find versions of the game that combine English with other languages. These include Spanish, French, German, and Hebrew.
Awards Zingo! Has Won
Zingo! has received many awards over the years, showing how popular and well-loved it is:
- T.O.T.Y. Nominee – Game of the Year Category – 2008
- TDmonthly Classic Award – 2008
- ASTRA Best Toys for Kids List – 2008
- T.O.T.Y Nominee – Specialty Toy of the Year Category – 2007
- The iParenting Media "Hottest Products of 2004" Award – 2004
- Grandparents Magazine Top 10 Gifts for Children 8 and Under – 2003
- Grandparents Magazine Top Games – 2003
- Learning Magazine Teachers' Choice SM Award – 2003
- Great American Toy Test Top 18 Toys of the Year −2002
- Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award −2002
- Parents' Choice Award – 2002
- Canadian Toy Testing Council Three Star Award – 2002
- National Parenting Center – Seal of Approval −2002
- EdutainingKids.com Holiday Gift Guide – 2002
- iGrandparents.com Holiday Bets – Best Board Game – 8 and Under – 2002
- DallasChild Magazine Toy Test – Best Board Game – 2002
- Parents' Choice Holiday List – 2002
