How to Play Bunco
The ultimate social dice game for parties
Objective
Roll dice matching the target number to score points. First team at each table to 21 wins the round.
Players
Ideally 12 players (3 tables of 4). Works with any multiple of 4. Can adapt for 8-24+ players.
Equipment
3 dice per table, scoresheets, pencils, and a bell for the Head Table. Optional: prizes!
Why It's Popular
Incredibly social, easy to learn, no skill required - perfect for parties, fundraisers, and girls' nights!
Setting Up
Arrange Tables
Set up tables for 4 players each. For 12 players, you need 3 tables. Label them: Head Table, Middle Table, and Losing Table (or more diplomatic names!).
Form Teams
At each table, the two people sitting across from each other are partners for that round. Teams change every round!
Distribute Supplies
Each table gets 3 dice. Each player gets a scoresheet. The Head Table gets a bell to signal round ends.
Determine First Roller
Any player at each table starts. Rolling passes clockwise around the table.
Round Structure
The game consists of 6 rounds. Each round targets a different number (1 through 6).
Target Numbers
- Round 1: Target = 1s
- Round 2: Target = 2s
- Round 3: Target = 3s
- Round 4: Target = 4s
- Round 5: Target = 5s
- Round 6: Target = 6s
Taking Your Turn
Roll All Three Dice
Roll the 3 dice. Check for matching target numbers.
Score Points
Score 1 point for each die showing the target number. Your partner keeps track of your team's score.
Keep Rolling or Pass
If you scored ANY points, roll again! Keep rolling until you roll no target numbers. Then pass to the next player.
BUNCO!
Rolling three dice that ALL match the target number is a BUNCO! Shout it out! It's worth 21 points and counts as a Bunco on your personal scoresheet.
Ending a Round
How Rounds End
Play continues until one team at the HEAD TABLE reaches exactly 21 points. That team rings the bell, signaling ALL tables to stop immediately - even mid-roll!
Bell Rings = Stop!
When the Head Table rings the bell, everyone stops immediately. Each table determines its winner.
Record Results
Each player marks a Win or Loss on their scoresheet. Also record total points scored and any Buncos rolled.
Rotate Players
Winners at the losing/middle tables move UP one table. Losers at head/middle tables move DOWN. One winner at Head Table switches seats (new partner). See rotation rules below.
Table Rotation
Standard Rotation Rules
- Head Table Winners: Stay at Head Table but one switches seats (new partners)
- Head Table Losers: Move down to Middle Table
- Middle Table Winners: Move up to Head Table
- Middle Table Losers: Move down to Losing Table
- Losing Table Winners: Move up to Middle Table
- Losing Table Losers: Stay but switch seats (new partners)
Point Scoring
During Play
Scoring Examples (Round 3 - Target is 3s)
- Roll: 3-4-6 = 1 point (one 3)
- Roll: 3-3-5 = 2 points (two 3s)
- Roll: 3-3-3 = BUNCO! 21 points
- Roll: 4-4-4 = 5 points (three of a kind, not target)
- Roll: 1-2-5 = 0 points (pass dice)
Personal Scoresheet
Each player tracks their own stats throughout the night:
What to Track
Determining Winners
After all 6 rounds (or 12 for a longer game), tally results and award prizes:
Common Prize Categories
The Traveling Bunco
A fun tradition: keep a special item (fuzzy dice, tiara, etc.) that travels to whoever rolled the most recent Bunco. Whoever has it at the end wins a prize!
Tiebreakers
- Tied on Wins: Most Buncos breaks tie
- Still tied: Highest point total breaks tie
- Still tied: Roll-off! First to roll the last round's target number wins
Hosting a Bunco Night
Essential Supplies
- 9+ dice (3 per table)
- Scoresheets for each player
- Pencils
- Bell for Head Table
- Table numbers/signs
- Prizes (4-6 prizes work well)
- Snacks and drinks!
Prize Ideas
Potluck Prizes
Each player brings a wrapped prize ($5-15 value). Winners pick from the prize table in order of finish.
Money Pot
Everyone contributes $5-10. Divide the pot: 50% to most wins, 25% to most Buncos, 25% to booby prize.
Themed Prizes
Lottery tickets, wine, candles, gift cards, spa items - match to your group's interests!
Tips for Smooth Play
Before You Start
- Explain rules to new players - Bunco is simple but the rotation confuses newbies
- Do a practice round (Round 0) for first-timers
- Make sure everyone understands the bell = STOP
- Designate a scorekeeper to help with disputes
During Play
- Keep the pace up - this is meant to be fast and chaotic!
- Have snacks at tables but protect the dice area
- Take a break halfway through for mingling
- Music adds to the party atmosphere
Odd Number of Players
Ghost Player Solution
If you have 11 players instead of 12:
- One table has a "ghost" as the 4th player
- The ghost's partner rolls for both (double duty!)
- Ghost always loses, so the ghost's partner gets the win/loss
- Rotate the ghost position each round
Popular Variations
For 4-8 players. Use 1-2 tables. No rotation between tables - just switch partners each round. Perfect for smaller gatherings!
Play to 11 points instead of 21. Faster rounds, more rotations, more chaos! Great when you're short on time.
Play 12 rounds (going through numbers 1-6 twice) or even 18 rounds. More rounds = more meaningful statistics for prizes.
When you roll a Bunco, you can "steal" 5 points from the opposing team's score. Adds more interaction!
Rolling three 1s at any time (not just Round 1) "wipes out" your team's score back to zero. High drama!
Theme Night Ideas
- Holiday Bunco: Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's themed decorations and prizes
- Decade Night: 80s, 70s, or retro theme with costume prizes
- Casino Night: Poker chips as points, Vegas decorations
- Wine & Dice: Wine tasting between rounds
- Charity Bunco: Entry fees go to a cause, sponsored prizes
Bunco Clubs
Starting a Regular Bunco Group
- Find 12 committed players
- Rotate hosting duties monthly
- Keep a running season leaderboard
- Have substitutes on call for absences
- End the season with a championship and bigger prizes