Remember playing Bingo? The thrill of the diagonal, the agony of the deceptively quiet old lady who screamed like a banshee every time G-48 was called? Bingo is back, Jack, and it's a dead man's game on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Alameda's Rhythmix Cultural Works. The undead are invited, as well — but there will be zero tolerance for zombie brain grazing this time around (the lawyers made us say that).

Everything else is up for grabs at the 2009 rendition of Fright Bingo, a ghoulishly twisted version of Rhythmix' monthly Three-Ring Bingo. We can't guarantee a moratorium on clowns — they travel eight to a tiny car and they're tough to monitor — but the Grim Reaper will be on high alert. That leaves you free to enjoy a complimentary adult beverage (assuming you're an adult — the lawyers made us say that, too), groove to a dance routine with the Ghoul Girls, throw down some grub (as opposed to grubs — we won't make that mistake again) and get your game face on for those five rows and five columns of unadulterated digits.

Prizes include fistfuls of cash (some fists smaller than others), RCW schwag bags, music lessons, body work for your aching bones, and a shopping certificate or two. Hey, whaddya want for your $20 entry fee? Survivors may be asked to help re-bury the zombies.

Fright Bingo takes place at Rythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Thursday, Oct. 8, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door or $18 online at www.rhythmix.org Admission buys 10 games (two packets 6-on) and includes a free drink.