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#10 Easy

Icebreaker Bingo

'Find someone who speaks three languages.' Now you have a reason to talk to the stranger by the coffee. Icebreaker Bingo gives permission to approach anyone.

work meeting party adult easy fun

Group Size:

15-100+ people

Duration:

15-30 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

How to Play:

Icebreaker Bingo - How to Play
  1. 1

    Create 5x5 bingo cards with traits in each square ('Has visited 5+ countries', 'Plays an instrument', 'Speaks three languages')

  2. 2

    Give every participant a card and pen—different card arrangements prevent ties

  3. 3

    Set the rules: one signature per person, must have brief conversation to qualify

  4. 4

    Release everyone to mingle and hunt for matches

  5. 5

    First to complete a row, column, diagonal, or full blackout wins

  6. 6

    Share the most surprising discoveries—'Wait, you were a competitive yo-yo player?'

“Find someone who has been skydiving.” You scan the room. There’s the CEO talking to interns, the quiet developer suddenly animated about their weekend hobby, two strangers discovering they both lived in Tokyo. Icebreaker Bingo gives permission to approach anyone—the card is your excuse, but the conversations are real. By the end, you’ve talked to fifteen people you’d never have approached otherwise. Someone’s square says “plays an unusual instrument” and now you know your CFO plays the theremin. These aren’t facts you’d learn in a year of meetings.

Best For:

The ultimate ice breaker game for large conferences, networking events, company all-hands, and any gathering where you need 100+ strangers talking within minutes.

Pro Tips

  • Mix easy squares ('owns a pet') with rare ones ('has been on TV')—too easy and it ends in 5 minutes

  • Include 2-3 conversation starters that require explanation: 'Has an unusual hobby' beats 'Likes music'

  • One signature per person rule is essential—otherwise people cluster instead of circulating

  • For large events, use different card layouts so multiple winners are possible

FAQ

What makes a good Icebreaker Bingo card?
Balance is key: 8 common traits most people have, 8 moderately rare ones, 8 unusual ones, plus a free center square. Test your cards—if everyone finishes in 5 minutes, it's too easy.
How do I prevent people from just rushing through signatures?
Add the rule: you can only sign if you've had a 30-second conversation. This transforms Icebreaker Bingo from a race into actual networking.
Does Icebreaker Bingo work for remote teams?
Not ideally—the physical movement is the point. For virtual events, try 'Two Truths and a Lie' or 'Show and Tell' instead.
How many squares should be on the bingo card?
Standard 5x5 (25 squares) for 20+ minute events. Use 4x4 (16 squares) for quicker rounds. Never go larger than 5x5—completion becomes impossible.
Should winners get prizes for Icebreaker Bingo?
Small prizes add excitement, but the real value is the connections made. Announce winners and have them share one interesting person they met.

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