Bunco is a fast-paced dice game that is both easy to learn and fun to play. It can be played in large groups, making it an ideal choice for social gatherings, parties, and family get-togethers. If you’ve never played Bunco before or need a refresher on how the game works, this guide has got you covered. Let’s dive right in!

Gather Your Supplies

To play Bunco, you’ll need the following supplies:

1. Twelve players (or a multiple of four)

2. Three tables with four chairs each

3. Three sets of three six-sided dice per table

4. One Bunco score sheet per player

5. One pencil or pen per player

6. A bell or buzzer (optional)

Understand the Basics

Bunco consists of six rounds, and each round has a specific target number from one to six. In each round, players take turns rolling three dice, attempting to get as many rolls as possible with the target number for that round.

Here’s how a typical turn looks:

1. Player A rolls the three dice.

2. They count the number of times the target number appears among the roll.

3. If at least one target number appears, they score points equal to the quantity rolled and may continue rolling if desired.

4. If no target number appears, their turn ends, and play passes clockwise.

Note: If a player rolls three-of-a-kind with a value other than the target number (e.g., three 5s during round 3), they receive five bonus points.

Forming Teams and Gameplay

At the start of the game, players divide into teams of two and form pairs called “partners.” Each table has two teams sitting diagonally across from one another. Table one is considered the “head table,” with the other tables ranked in descending order.

Each round consists of several turns taken simultaneously at each table and follows this procedure:

1. The head table rings the bell or announces the start of a new round.

2. All three tables play their turns simultaneously.

3. Play continues until one team at the head table scores 21 or more points.

4. The round ends, and each team records its score on the score sheet.

Rotation Between Rounds

At the end of each round, players rotate tables according to specific rules:

1. The winning team at each table moves up to the next table (except for the head table).

2. The losing teams remain at their respective tables.

3. Players switch partners by swapping seats with their diagonal partners.

Achieving Bunco

A “Bunco” occurs when a player rolls three-of-a-kind matching the target number for that round (e.g., three 3s during round 3). Scoring a Bunco earns the player 21 points and immediately brings that round to an end.

Tallying Points and Determining the Winner

After six rounds, players tally their individual points, including bonus points from achieving Buncos. The ultimate winner is determined based on different categories:

1. Highest Total Points The player with the most points across all six rounds.

2. Most Buncos: The player with the highest number of achieved Buncos.

3. Most Wins: The player who has been on the winning team for most rounds.

And that’s it! Now you know how to play Bunco and can join in on this fun, social game at your next gathering or party. Enjoy!