How to Play Tambola Multiplayer: Complete Host and Player Guide

Introduction

Tambola is best played with family and friends. The Tambola app lets up to 20 players join a single room from anywhere — gathered in the same house or spread across different cities. One person hosts and calls the numbers, everyone else plays their tickets, and the app keeps the whole game fair and in sync. This guide covers both sides: hosting a room and joining one.

For the Host: Creating a Room

The host runs the game — sets it up, calls the numbers and verifies every win.

Step 1: Create the Room

Tap "Create room" on the home screen, then set up your game:

• Tickets per player — the default is 1, and you can change it for each player individually in the lobby.
• Call speed — how fast numbers are called once the game starts.
• Claim resolution — decide what happens when more than one player claims the same prize:
  • First to claim wins — the fastest valid claimant takes the prize. Competitive and quick.
  • Shared winners — every valid claimant splits the prize equally. Friendlier, and recommended for families so more people get to win.
• Prizes — select which prizes are in play (Early 5, lines, Full House and more).

Step 2: The Lobby

After creating the room you land in the lobby. From here you can:

• See players appear in real time as they join.
• Adjust tickets per player using the +/− buttons next to each name.
• Share the room code via WhatsApp so people can join with a tap.

Step 3: Start the Game

Once everyone has joined, tap "Start Game". Each player is automatically dealt the tickets you assigned them — no manual handing-out required.

Step 4: Calling Numbers

Tap the gold Caller button to open the caller view:

• Manual mode: tap "Call Next" for each number, so you set the pace.
• Auto mode: numbers call automatically at your chosen speed.
• Your own ticket is visible right there in the caller view — so you can dab and claim too while you host.

Step 5: Verifying Claims

When a player claims a prize, the app keeps things honest:

• The game automatically pauses.
• A verification card appears showing that player's ticket alongside the called numbers.
• Tap Accept if the claim is valid.
• Tap Reject if it is a bogey — a wrong or premature claim.
• The game resumes automatically the moment you decide.

Step 6: Ending the Game

When someone completes Full House, the game ends automatically. Every player sees the results screen listing all the winners and their prizes.

For Players: Joining a Room

If you are not hosting, joining is just as easy.

Step 1: Join with Code

Tap "Join with code" on the home screen and enter the 6-character room code your host shared.

Step 2: The Lobby

In the lobby you can:

• See other players as they join.
• See how many tickets you have been assigned.
• Choose your personal ticket style — only you see this, so pick whatever you find easiest to read.

Step 3: Playing

Once the host starts the game:

• Numbers are called automatically for everyone.
• Gold highlights show which numbers on your ticket to tap.
• Tap the highlighted numbers to mark them.
• Watch your claim buttons — they count down to each prize so you always know how close you are.
• When you are eligible, tap "TAP TO CLAIM".
• Wait for the host to verify your claim.
• See the result — accepted or rejected.

Tips for a Great Tambola Night

For Families

• Use Shared winners mode — it is far more fun when everyone has a chance to win.
• Set speed to 8–10 seconds, giving older players time to find their numbers.
• Switch to Hindi voice for that authentic Tambola feel.
• Each player can turn off their own phone speaker — player voice is off by default to avoid a wall of echoes.

For Competitive Groups

• Use First to claim wins mode.
• Set speed to 5 seconds for an exciting, fast-paced game.
• Give experienced players more tickets — up to 4 each — to keep it challenging.

Playing Together vs Remotely

• Same room: have everyone turn off their phone speaker. The host's caller voice alone is enough, and you avoid overlapping audio.
• Different locations: each player can turn on their own voice announcer so they hear every call clearly, wherever they are.

New to Tambola and want to practise first? Try a solo game → before your big night, then download the app and create your first room.