Why Number Nicknames Matter
A great Tambola caller doesn't just announce numbers — they entertain. Number nicknames (also called "calls" or "rhymes") transform a simple number draw into a performance. They keep the crowd engaged, add humour, and create a shared language that players of all ages enjoy.
Whether you're a first-time caller or a seasoned Tambola host, this guide gives you a ready-to-use reference for some of the most popular and creative number calls used in Tambola and Housie games across India and beyond.
How to Use Number Nicknames as a Caller
- Draw a token and announce the nickname first to build anticipation, then reveal the number.
- Keep your delivery upbeat and clear — a playful tone goes a long way.
- Vary your pace: slow down for dramatic effect on milestone numbers like 69 or 88.
- Don't rush. Players need time to scan their tickets. Nickname → Number → Repeat the number.
Popular Tambola Number Calls
| Number | Nickname / Call |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kelly's Eye — Number One! |
| 2 | One Little Duck — Two! |
| 7 | Lucky Seven! |
| 8 | One Fat Lady — Eight! |
| 10 | Downing Street — Ten! |
| 11 | Legs Eleven! |
| 13 | Unlucky for Some — Thirteen! |
| 16 | Sweet Sixteen! |
| 18 | Coming of Age — Eighteen! |
| 21 | Key of the Door — Twenty-One! |
| 22 | Two Little Ducks — Twenty-Two! |
| 26 | Republic Day — Twenty-Six! |
| 28 | In a State — Twenty-Eight! |
| 30 | Dirty Thirty! |
| 33 | All the Threes — Thirty-Three! |
| 40 | Life Begins — Forty! |
| 42 | The Answer to Everything — Forty-Two! |
| 45 | Halfway There — Forty-Five! |
| 50 | Half a Century — Fifty! |
| 51 | Cabaret — Fifty-One! |
| 55 | All the Fives — Fifty-Five! |
| 60 | Diamond — Sixty! |
| 63 | Tickle Me — Sixty-Three! |
| 66 | Clickety Click — Sixty-Six! |
| 69 | The Favourite — Sixty-Nine! |
| 70 | Three Score and Ten — Seventy! |
| 76 | Trombones — Seventy-Six! |
| 77 | Double Seven — Seventy-Seven! |
| 80 | Eight and Blank — Eighty! |
| 86 | Between the Sticks — Eighty-Six! |
| 88 | Two Fat Ladies — Eighty-Eight! |
| 90 | Top of the Shop — Ninety! |
Creating Your Own Calls
The best callers develop their own signature calls that resonate with their specific audience. Here are some ideas:
- Local references: Use the name of a neighbourhood street, landmark, or local celebrity tied to a number.
- Pop culture: Reference a popular film, cricket score, or trending phrase your audience will recognise.
- Wordplay: Rhymes and puns work brilliantly — e.g., "Hive of Bees — 33!"
- Crowd callbacks: Ask the crowd to shout a phrase back when you call certain numbers — it builds energy fast.
Caller Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts
- ✅ Always repeat the number after the nickname.
- ✅ Keep a calling board visible to avoid disputes.
- ✅ Pause briefly between calls — don't rush the draw.
- ❌ Don't skip numbers or call the same number twice — mix the tokens thoroughly.
- ❌ Don't play favourites or delay calling to help a player.
- ❌ Avoid offensive or exclusionary jokes in the nicknames.
A confident, entertaining caller elevates the entire Tambola experience. With this reference guide in hand, you're ready to take centre stage and make your next game one to remember!