Tambola, also called Housie, has been the centrepiece of Indian family gatherings for generations: kitty parties, Diwali evenings, New Year's Eve and long weddings. When family is spread across cities and countries, an online Tambola night keeps the tradition alive. Here is a practical plan for hosting one on Doozles.
Before the game
1. Pick a time that works across time zones
If relatives are abroad, an evening in India is often morning in North America and afternoon in Europe. Weekends work best. Plan for about 45 minutes, including chatting time.
2. Set up a video call
Doozles has built-in voice chat in rooms, but for big family groups a video call on another device lets everyone see each other's reactions when someone shouts "Full House!".
3. Decide the prizes
On Doozles each prize can be won once, by the first valid claim. A typical family set:
- Early Five: the first player to have any five numbers called.
- Top, Middle and Bottom Line: a full row of five numbers.
- Four Corners: the first and last numbers of the top and bottom rows.
- Full House: all fifteen numbers, which ends the game.
For a longer game, add Ladoo (the middle number of the middle row), King Corner, Queen Corner, Smallest Three and Largest Three. The Tambola guide explains every pattern.
Doozles is for fun only and has no payment features. If your family plays for small treats, agree on them separately. Chocolates and bragging rights work well.
Starting the room
- Open Tambola and press Play Online.
- Enter your name and Create Room.
- Share the six-letter room code or the QR code in your family group chat.
- Wait for everyone to join. Up to 50 players can fit in one room, and each gets their own random ticket.
- Press Start when everyone is in.
Calling numbers like a pro
Only the host can draw numbers, so you are the star of the show. A few tips:
- Use the traditional calls. "Kelly's eye, number one." "Two little ducks, twenty-two." "Top of the house, ninety." Older relatives love them, and kids pick them up quickly.
- Pace yourself. Wait a few seconds between numbers so slower players can find them. Speed up once the first lines are claimed.
- Announce the claims. When Doozles confirms a winner, say it out loud on the call and give them a moment of glory.
Keeping everyone involved
- Help the youngest and oldest players. Sit a child next to a grandparent so they can mark tickets together.
- Play two or three short games rather than one very long one. Fresh tickets keep the excitement up.
- Rotate the host. Let someone else draw the numbers in the second game.
After the game
Take a screenshot of the winners and post it in the family group. Next time, try Raja Mantri Chor Sipahi or Ludo for a change of pace. Both work well on a call.
Tambola is not about skill. It is about everyone leaning towards their screens together waiting for one last number. That feeling travels perfectly well over the internet.