Bunco Game – The Party Dice Game That Anyone Can Play
When friends, family, or neighbors gather to play games one evening for fun. There is one name that’s said repeatedly and repeatedly, Bunco.
This is a game of dice. But it’s not just a game. It’s an experience. It’s fast, exciting, and easy to learn. You can play Bunco at age 12 or age 82. And after you’ve played it, you’ll be playing it again.
So just what is Bunco, anyway? Where did you encounter it? How do you play it? And how do you host a Bunco evening?
This article is going to take you through all you’d ever care to know about it. We’ll take you through it as if we were showing you around a night game, from the first invitation to the final round of die rolling and shouting.
What Is Bunco?
Bunco is a simple game to play for 12 or more in groups. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and completely based on luck, no skill. Because of this, it’s great for parties, reunions, and block parties.
You generally play on 3 tables with 4 players per table (two couples). You roll dice and try to match numbers, round by round.
No underhanded rules, no hidden secrets, and no sneaky arithmetic. Just grins, giggles, and fast rolling of dice.
The Main Bunco Game
The concept of playing it is to roll the number of the round that you are on.
So in Round 1, everybody is rolling 1s.
In Round 2, everybody is rolling 2s.
And so on until Round 6.
If you roll the same number as the round, you win. If you roll three of the same number in one roll, and they match the round, you shout “BUNCO!” and get points!
It’s loud, unpredictable and crazy. That’s why we adore it so much.
Where Did Bunco Come From?
Bunco has a rich and storied history.
It was previously a 19th-century English game of luck. It was said to catch on later within the United States during the 1800s, mainly with gambling dens.
During the 1920s Prohibition years, Bunco also referred to crime raids and gambles busted, those were “Bunco Squads.”
But the game changed with the years. In the 1980s and 1990s, Bunco came back, this time as a neat, social, and enjoyable party game, mainly among women’s groups and communities.
Now it is played throughout America in houses, clubs, schools, churches, etc.
What Do You Need to Play Bunco?
The good news? Not much.
To play a whole game of Bunco, you will need:
12 players (play 8 or 16, with slight rule modification)
3 tables (one for each team)
9 dice (3 for each table)
Scorecards and pencils to mark up scores
A bell (for the head table)
A soft fuzzy die or prize (optional, for laughs)
Snacks and beverages are highly recommended
No high-tech gizmos or expensive boards needed. Just dice, friends, and friendship.
How to Set Up for a Bunco Game
Here’s how you lay things out:
Position 3 tables: Table 1 is the “Head Table,” and the other two are Table 2 and Table 3
Seat 4 players at each table—two sets of 2 players
Position 3 dice, 4 score sheets, and a pen at each table
Transfer the bell to the Head Table
Select the order of seating, after each round, the winners move higher, and the losers move lower
And it is more entertaining to theme or color the tables (pink for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s Day, etc.)
How to Play Bunco – Step by Step
Let’s play a game of Bunco.
Step 1: Every player at every table takes turns rolling 3 dice
Step 2: If you roll the round number being played for (a “2” in Round 2, for example), you get 1 point for each number that matches
Step 3: If you roll three of the round number (three “4s” in Round 4, for example), that is a BUNCO! and you get 21 points
Step 4: When you roll three of a kind but not the round number (three 5s in Round 3, for example), you get 5 points
Step 5: You keep rolling as long as you are getting points. When you roll and get zero points, it is the next person’s turn
Step 6: The round ends, when a player at the head table gets 21 points
Step 7: The winners at each table move forward. The losers drop out, and new teams are formed
Step 8: Start the next round with a new number
There are 6 rounds in an entire game. Then you add up all the wins, Buncos, and losses to determine the winner.
Scoring at Bunco
This is how points are figured:
Each die that’s the same = 1 point
Three of a kind (not the round) = 5 points
Three of a kind (and also the round) = BUNCO! = 21 points
The player that gets to 21 points first at the Head Table wins the round
When each round is complete, players mark they won or lost the round on their scorecards
When the game is over, tally up total wins, total Buncos, and prizes are paid
Why We Love Bunco
We love Bunco for a variety of reasons.
It’s easy to learn – You can instruct someone in 5 minutes, and they will be enjoying themselves in the first round.
It’s social – You play in groups and switch tables, so you talk to everyone.
It’s action-packed – With the dice rolling so fast, the game never lags.
It’s mostly luck – No math or planning required.
It’s a party – Bunco nights typically include food, drinks, music, and giggles.
It’s fun for everyone – Teenagers, adults, and seniors are all invited.
Bunco is a game, but it’s also a justification to hang out, laugh, and bond.
How to Host a Bunco Night
Hosting a game of it? If you want to make it memorable, follow these steps
Pick a date and invite 12 friends
Select a theme. Like beach, pajamas, Halloween, holiday, etc.
Set tables to the theme
Prepare a Bunco prize table: have little presents for most Buncos, most wins, most losses, last Bunco, etc.
Plan for snacks and drinks, finger foods are best
Print scorecards or purchase a Bunco game set online
Prepare background music to keep the lively atmosphere
Ask guests to bring $5 or something small for the prize fund (optional)
By the end of the night, you’ll have people asking, “When’s the next one?”
Popular Bunco Variations
While the official Bunco rules are most common, there are some who like to shake things up. Here are a few fun variations:
Reverse Bunco – Three of the same number that is NOT the round number scores 21 points instead of 5
Silent Bunco – Players should not talk during the round. If they do, they lose points!
Speed Bunco – Use a timer round instead of playing to 21 points
Team Bunco – Replace table rotating with permanent teams and keep team points
Holiday Bunco – Add theme rounds, trivia, or costume contests. These will give it a seasonal twist
Take what applies to your group. Rules are not the objective, but fun is!
Also Read: Caitlin Clark Next Game – All You Need to Know about Her Upcoming WNBA Game
Bunco Prizes and Awards
Half the fun of Bunco night is prize time at the end.
Some ideas for prizes that are fun:
Most Buncos – major gift card or theme-related prize
Most Wins – practical item or funny prize (such as a coffee mug with “Bunco Boss” on it)
Most Losses – funny “Try Again” prize
Last Bunco – little prize for last to call out “BUNCO!”
Best Costume (if themed) – encourage creativity
Best Snack – if it’s a potluck night
Awards don’t have to be expensive. It is the laughter and the joy that matters.
Where to Buy Bunco Supplies
You can purchase everything you need for Bunco online or at the neighborhood store:
Amazon – Bunco kits, dice, scorecards, bells, and theme packages
Party stores – party decorations and mini awards
Etsy – personalized scorecards and party favors
Office supply stores – dice, clipboards, and writing pens
Or just make your own scorecards on paper with markers. Your choice!
Can Kids Play Bunco?
Yes! It’s kid friendly.
It’s even great for birthday parties, school parties, or family game nights. Just scale back on the prizes and have less complex instructions. Some call it “Kidco” when they play with little kids.
Even 7- and 8-year-olds can play and have fun playing!
Bunco for Fund-Raisers or Clubs
Most organizations use Bunco nights as a fund-raiser or to bring people together.
School PTAs, church groups, sororities, and local charities will sponsor a Bunco night. The players pay a little bit of money to play and then donate it to a worthy cause.
It’s wonderful to give back to a cause and have some people around, too.
Last Thoughts
This is no more than a game of dice. It’s a way to get in touch with the people around you, relax, and laugh.
You don’t have to be special or even rich. You just need a handful of friends, some dice, and some room to play it.
So if you’re feeling like a new game for your game night, or even just some variety, play it.
Roll dice, shout out “BUNCO!”, and games are on.
