Host a Family Tombola Night with Tombola Deluxe

By Clementoni | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to play tombola and host a family tombola night with Tombola Deluxe. Simple tombola rules, party ideas, and a step-by-step plan for a fun game night.

Quick answer

To host a family tombola night, set up Tombola Deluxe with its 36 window cards and 90 wooden numbers, assign a caller, and follow the classic tombola rules: mark called numbers, complete a row for tombolino, and fill a full card for tombola. Keep prizes small and the pace lively.

Why Tombola Deluxe works for a family game night

Tombola Deluxe is a classic board game in a new, refined edition designed for playing with friends and family during the Christmas holidays. It includes 36 cards with windows, a board, and a bag with 90 wooden numbers. The game never goes out of style and continues to engage both young and old.

Because the cards have windows, players can mark numbers without needing separate tokens or pens, which simplifies setup and cleanup. The wooden numbers add a tactile, satisfying feel to the draw, and the included bag keeps everything organized between rounds.

How to adapt tombola rules for younger players

Young children can join by using the window cards to close numbers as they are called, which is easier than crossing off with a pen. For very young players, consider playing a shorter version where the first to complete a row wins a small prize, rather than waiting for a full card. This keeps attention spans engaged and reduces frustration.

If you have a large group, you can pair children with an adult or older sibling to help them find numbers. The game naturally encourages number recognition and listening skills, so it doubles as a playful learning activity.

Step-by-step: host a family tombola night

Set up the game: Place the board where all players can see it, distribute one window card to each player, and put the 90 wooden numbers in the bag. Shake the bag to mix the numbers. Check that every card has all its windows open before starting.
Assign a caller: Choose one person to be the caller. The caller draws a number from the bag, announces it clearly, and places it on the board. Players check their cards and close the corresponding window if they have that number. The caller should double-check the number before announcing to avoid mistakes.
Explain the winning combinations: Explain that completing a row of numbers on a card earns a tombolino (small win), and filling the entire card earns a tombola (big win). Decide in advance whether tombolino wins a small prize or just applause. Agree on prizes before the first number is drawn so everyone knows what they are playing for.
Start drawing and marking: The caller continues drawing numbers one at a time. Players close windows as their numbers are called. The first player to complete a row shouts 'Tombolino!' and the first to fill a card shouts 'Tombola!'. Pause the game briefly to verify the winning card before celebrating.
Verify the win: When a player claims a win, the caller checks the card against the numbers drawn. For a tombolino, confirm the row is complete; for a tombola, confirm all numbers on the card have been called. Keep the drawn numbers on the board visible for easy verification.
Reset and play again: After a win, collect the cards, reopen all windows, return the numbers to the bag, and start a new round. Rotate the caller so everyone gets a turn. Have small prizes ready for multiple rounds to keep the fun going.

Product facts

Tombola Deluxe: Includes 36 window cards, a board, and a bag with 90 wooden numbers. Enough cards for a large family or party, and the windows eliminate the need for markers.
Tombola Deluxe