Bunco is a lively, social dice game that requires no skill. Bunco is all about rolling the right numbers to win rounds.
It is perfect for gatherings and parties, offering hours of entertainment.
In this guide, you will get everything you need to know about the fun dice game Bunco to help you get started and have a blast with your own Bunco group.
Bunco Tutorial
Needed
A group of players (multiples of four work best)
Three six-sided dice for every four players
Bunco score sheet
Bunco tally sheet
Table labels
Setup
Each table needs four players divided into two teams. Teammates sit across from each other.
Designate one table as the head table, and if you have multiple tables, number them for reference.
Object of the Game
Your goal in Bunco is to win rounds by scoring more points than your opponents.
Points are earned by rolling specific combinations of numbers on the dice that match the round number.
Game Score
Rolling one matching number is 1 point.
Rolling two matching numbers is 2 points.
Rolling three matching numbers is a Bunco and is 21 points.
Rolling three dice of a kind of any number other than the round is 5 points, this is known as a mini bunco or baby bunco.
Round 1 = 1s
Round 2 = 2s
Round 3 = 3s
Round 4 = 4s
Round 5 = 5s
Round 6 = 6s
Game Play
The first player begins rolling and trying to score points. If a player’s roll contains at least 1 point, that player gets to roll again.
Once a player rolls no points, the dice move clockwise left to the next player. The player’s accumulated points are recorded for that team.
Once the first team at the head table scores 21 or more points, a sound is made to signal the end of a round. Typically, the head table rings a bell.
The current rollers at the other tables continue to roll until they finish their turn with a roll of no points.
If the score is tied when the round ends, each player gets one more turn. The team with the most points after all players had one more turn wins the round.
Typically, six rounds make up one game. This can be changed based on the amount of time available to play.
Player Score
The players on the team with the highest score during the round record a “W” for the round as the winning team.
The players on the team with the lower score than their opponents record an “L” for the round as the losing team.
Each individual player that rolled a Bunco during the round will record a tally under the Bunco section of their bunco score sheet.
Team Switch
At the end of each round, players switch tables and partners. The two players that won the round move one table up.
For example, winners at table 2 move to table 1. The players that lost the round stay at the same table with the exception of the head table.
The two players that lost at the head table move to the last table. The two players that won at the head table will stay at the head table.
Players will change seats so that each player has a new partner to start the second round.
Overall Winners
It is common for each player to ante a small amount of money into a pot.
There are different variations to the payouts after all the games are played. A sample payout may look like the following:
Most Losses = ante returned
Last Bunco = ante returned
Most Wins = 50% of the remaining pot
Most Buncos = Other 50% of the remaining pot
The host of Bunco night may want to include additional Bunco prizes for other categories:
Most mini Buncos
Half Wins and Half Losses (Player with an even split of wins and losses)
Traveling (see below)
The Travel Rule
The travel rules can be added to the bunco rules for even more fun and entertainment.
At the start of the game or each round, the hostess or players decide on specific numbers that trigger a "traveling" moment.
For instance, you might agree that rolling the same number on all three dice (e.g., three 4s) during any round qualifies as a traveling moment.
Alternatively, you can choose to make it even more exciting by allowing a non-Bunco trio of numbers, like 1-2-3, to trigger traveling.
When a player successfully rolls the designated trio of numbers, they have the honor of shouting "TRAVELING!"
After proclaiming "TRAVELING," the player who rolled the specified numbers becomes the custodian of the soft bean bag or object.
They hold onto it until another player rolls a set of numbers that meet the traveling criteria.
As the game progresses, the bag or object continues to travel from player to player each time the designated numbers appear.
The player who ends the game with the bag or object in their possession is awarded a prize.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bunco
Is Bunco a skill-based game?
No, Bunco is a game of chance, and it requires no specific skills. Players rely on the luck of the dice rolls to win rounds.
How many players do you need to play Bunco?
Bunco is typically played with large groups in tables of four. The game works best when the number of players is divisible by four.
What happens if there are extra players or not enough players to form even tables?
In such cases, players can take turns sitting out or an empty spot can be played by a "ghost" player. Players can take turns rolling for the "ghost" player as needed.
How are the tables organized in Bunco?
Bunco tables are divided into one head table and additional numbered tables.
What do you do if there's a tied score in a round?
In case of a tie, each player involved in the tie gets one more turn to try to break it. The team with the most points at the end of that additional turn wins the round.
How do you determine the round number in Bunco?
The round number corresponds to the specific target number on the dice. For instance, in Round 1, the goal is to roll as many ones as possible. Round 2 focuses on twos, Round 3 on threes, and so on.
What's the significance of scoring a Bunco?
Rolling three matching numbers in a round is known as a "Bunco" and is worth 21 points. It's the highest-scoring combination and a goal for players to aim for in each round.
Can you change the number of rounds in a Bunco game?
Yes, you can adjust the number of rounds to fit the available time and preferences of the players.
A standard game typically consists of six rounds, but you can play fewer or more if desired.
Are there variations to the rules or scoring in Bunco?
Yes, there are various Bunco variations and house rules. Some groups may have different scoring systems or add unique rules to make the game more interesting.
It's essential to clarify the basic rules with your group before starting.
Do I need to bet or contribute money to play Bunco?
Betting or contributing money is common in Bunco games, with players typically adding a small amount to a pot.
The payout rules can vary, but they often include returning ante for certain achievements and distributing the pot to winners at the end of the game.
Is Bunco suitable for all ages?
Yes, Bunco is a family-friendly game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
It has easy to understand game rules and does not involve complex strategies, making it a great game choice for social gatherings and parties.
How long does a typical game of Bunco last?
The duration of a Bunco game can vary depending on the number of rounds played and the pace of the players.
On average, a game with six rounds may take around 2-3 hours.
History of Bunco
The Bunco dice game known for its simplicity and lively group play, has a history that dates back to the late 19th century in the United States.
Its origins are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have evolved from earlier dice games brought to America by European immigrants.
Initially, Bunco was a popular game among gambling circles, often played in saloons and taverns.
However, it gradually transformed into a social game that focused on fostering camaraderie and enjoyment among participants.
Over time, Bunco became a favorite pastime at social gatherings, ladies' nights, and community events, emphasizing the importance of fun and social interaction rather than gambling.
Today, the great game of Bunco is played in a variety of settings, cherished for its simplicity, inclusivity, and the sense of community it creates among its players.