Bunco is a social dice game that is easy to learn and ideal for large groups. It is commonly played at parties, community gatherings, and game nights because it requires very little strategy and keeps everyone involved. The goal is to score points by rolling specific dice combinations as you rotate between tables. Here is how Bunco works.
Materials You Need
- Three dice for each table
- One bell or buzzer per table
- Score sheets for each player
- Pens or pencils
- Tables set up for groups of four players
Basic Setup
Bunco is traditionally played with twelve players, divided into three tables of four. Each table has:
- Two teams of two players
- One table is designated as the head table
- Three dice and one scorekeeper
If you have more or fewer players, you can adjust the number of tables while keeping four players per table.
How a Round Works
Bunco is played over six rounds. Each round is tied to a specific number on the dice.
Rolling the Dice
Players take turns rolling all three dice. During round one, players score points for rolling ones. During round two, players score points for rolling twos, and so on until round six.
- Each die showing the round number scores one point.
- Rolling three of the round number is called a Bunco and scores twenty-one points.
- Rolling three of any other number scores five points.
The player continues rolling as long as they score points. Once they roll with no scoring dice, play passes to the next player.
Ending a Round
When the head table scores a Bunco, they ring the bell. This ends the round at all tables.
Players record their scores and rotate to new tables according to the house rules being used.
Table Rotation
After each round, players change tables to keep the game social. A common rotation method is:
- Winning teams move up to the next table.
- Losing teams move down to the previous table.
- Players at the head table remain there.
Rotation rules can vary, so it helps to explain them before starting.
Winning the Game
After six rounds, players add up their total points. The player with the highest score wins. Some groups also track:
- Most Buncos
- Most wins
- Most losses
Tips for Playing Bunco
- Use simple score sheets to avoid confusion.
- Explain scoring clearly before the first round.
- Keep rounds moving to maintain energy.
- Have a clear bell sound so everyone hears when a round ends.
- Stick to one rotation method for the entire game.
Bunco Sets
If you’re unsure if you have all of the items needed to play, there are Bunco sets available on Amazon, such as Box of Bunco, Party Bunco, Bunco Party in a Box, and more.
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