Lotto (1530)

About this game

[See also Loteria, under a separate entry] A precursor to Bingo, Lotto utilizes cards showing pictures or numbers in a grid, commonly 4x4 pictures or 3x6 numbers. The same images or numbers are scattered on different cards. A set of tiles or small cards is used to call out which image/number the players should cover up with a chip. The first to get one row complete wins a round. Many people can play at once; one older game was designed for large groups of up to 48 players. There are many picture lotto sets published for young children, often with themes (baby animal lotto, Monsters, Inc. lotto, etc.). These games of chance and matching can be educational or just for fun.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 48.
• Rules load. At 1.2/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 3 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.