Lotería Party Kit
A practical guide to hosting Lotería (Mexican Bingo): what to print, what supplies to bring, and how to keep the game running smoothly.
1) What you need (quick checklist)
- Tablas: one board per player (plus 1–2 extra).
- Markers: fichas/tokens, coins, beans, bottle caps, etc.
- Caller: one person to call the cards (the Cantor).
- Prizes: optional but fun (candy, gift cards, small toys).
- Printer setup: scissors/paper cutter, maybe cardstock or laminating.
2) How many tablas should you print?
Rule of thumb: print one tabla per player, plus a couple extras for late arrivals. If you’re hosting a bigger group, it helps to keep a few spare boards ready so you don’t pause the game.
| Players | Suggested tablas to print |
|---|---|
| 4–6 | 6–8 |
| 7–10 | 10–12 |
| 11–16 | 16–18 |
| 17–25 | 25–28 |
Tip: if you’re printing for a classroom or big party, consider making boards a little sturdier (cardstock or lamination).
3) Supplies (markers, decks, and print materials)
You can play with anything as markers, but having a consistent set keeps things clean and fast.
- Markers (fichas/tokens): Bingo chips (transparent)
- Lotería deck: Traditional Lotería deck
- Cardstock: Cardstock (Letter size)
- Lamination: Laminator + Laminating pouches
- Paper cutter: Paper trimmer/cutter
- Prizes: Assorted Mexican candy
If you prefer not to use affiliate links, you can search locally or use any equivalent supplies.
4) Setup tips (so the game flows)
- Pick the win condition first: line, corners, diagonal, full card, etc. (See: How to Play)
- Make the caller visible: everyone should hear the call clearly.
- Keep a steady pace: new players need a bit more time; speed up later.
- Have a “verify win” moment: pause when someone yells “¡Lotería!” and confirm the called cards.
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