Shouting out the word "Bingo!" when you've just won the hand can be one of the most thrilling things you ever do. Why? Because when you're up against so many other people competing for the right to shout that word and win the prize you feel like you've won the jackpot.

And that's exactly what you have done in most cases. Because alot of times the prize is cold hard cash. Not five or even ten dollars. More like $500 and upwards because of how many people play and add to the "pot" that becomes the prize. However, there are times that the game is played for smaller prizes or even just for fun.

The game of bingo isn't a difficult game to learn, but it is a game that takes attention to detail, the ability to think and move quickly, and most of all LISTEN.

When you play bingo, you get a card that has the word "Bingo" across the top with numbers following in five columns beneath those letters that form a grid. The only freebie you get is the middle number in the 'N' column. It's important to note that the only difference in the cards is the numbers in the grid under the letters. The rest requires lots of patience, work and luck of the draw.

The person that calls out the number is called the "Caller". Not original, but it is easy to remember. As he or she shouts out the numbers you have to pay attention and mark your number with a chip. You get these chips at the same time you get your card. The caller then calls out a letter and a number. B5, for example. Anyone that has B5 then would mark that with a chip.

Bingo can be made vertically, horizontally and diagonally across. As the caller calls out each letter and number the players mark they're cards until one of them has achieved bingo. But you don't actually win the game until you shout out the word "Bingo!" and your letters and numbers are verified to make sure that no mistakes were made. Once your card has been confirmed then you are presented with your prize. However, if you are one of the unlucky ones that made a mistake, then the game continues until a Bingo occurs.

While many people consider this a game for the elderly, it can get quite exciting. And the prizes can be a wonderful coup for anyone lucky enough to win. And for those that don't, well, it keeps them going back to try again to win that prize.