Alphabet Lotto Game: How to Play and Teach Letters

By Orchard Toys | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: Guías prácticas

Learn how to play the Alphabet Lotto Game in four ways and turn it into a playful letter recognition activity for preschoolers, with simple phonics extensions.

Quick answer

Play the Alphabet Lotto Game by giving each child a lotto board, spreading the matching cards face down, and taking turns turning over one card to see if it matches your board. Start with picture-to-picture matching for younger children, then move to letter-to-picture, picture-to-letter, and finally letter-to-letter as their confidence grows.

Choose the right side of the board first

The Alphabet Lotto Game is designed to grow with your child because each board can be used on two sides. One side shows pictures, the other shows letters. Before you deal the cards, decide which side everyone will use. For a first game with a three- or four-year-old, picture-to-picture matching keeps the focus on turn-taking and visual matching without letter pressure. Once they recognize several letters, switch to letter-to-picture or picture-to-letter. Letter-to-letter is the most challenging and works best for children who already know most of the alphabet.

Keep turns short and talk about the letters

Young children learn more from the conversation around the game than from winning. When a child turns over a card, name the letter or the picture clearly and ask a simple question: “Is that a match?” or “What sound does that letter make?” Avoid turning the game into a quiz. If a child does not know a letter, say it for them and move on. The goal is repeated, relaxed exposure, not perfect recall. Two or three short rounds are usually enough for preschoolers before attention fades.

Adapt the pace for mixed ages

If you are playing with children of different ages, pair an older child with a younger one rather than expecting everyone to play at the same level. Older children can use the letter side while younger ones use the picture side, and they can help each other check matches. This keeps the game fair and gives older children a chance to model letter names without dominating. For a single child, play cooperatively against you rather than competitively, and celebrate filling the board together.

How to play Alphabet Lotto step by step

Set up the boards and cards: Give each player one lotto board, choosing the picture side or letter side depending on their level. Shuffle the matching cards and spread them face down in the middle of the table. Check that every board has a complete set of matching cards before you start; a missing card will stall the game.
Decide the matching rule: Agree on the matching mode before the first turn: picture to picture, letter to picture, picture to letter, or letter to letter. For a first game, use picture to picture. For children who know some letters, try letter to picture. Write the chosen rule on a small slip of paper if players might forget, especially when mixing modes for different ages.
Take turns turning over one card: The youngest player starts. On each turn, turn over one card and show it to everyone. If it matches a space on your board, place it there and say the letter or picture name aloud. If not, show it to the group and turn it back face down in the same spot. Encourage players to say the letter sound or name as they place a card; this turns every turn into a tiny letter-learning moment.
Help without taking over: If a child is unsure whether a card matches, ask them to compare the letter shape or picture with their board. Give a hint rather than placing the card for them. If they still struggle, name the letter and let them decide. Resist the urge to correct every mismatch immediately; letting children check their own board builds independence.
Finish the board and review: The first player to fill their board wins. Before packing away, spend one minute pointing to three letters on the board and asking each child to name them or make their sound. End on a positive note: stop while children are still engaged rather than pushing for one more round.

Product facts

Alphabet Lotto Game: The game offers four ways to play: matching picture to picture, letter to picture, picture to letter, or letter to letter. You can start with the simplest matching mode and progress to letter-to-letter as your child’s recognition improves, so the same game stays useful for longer.
Alphabet Lotto Game