How to Host a Bunco Night
For fourteen years I have been playing in a Bunco group that meets monthly! We even held virtual game nights during the pandemic! In a time of life where we’re seeking connection more than ever, a Bunco night could be the perfect way to connect with old friends or bring new friends into the fold. We’ll walk you through hosting your first Bunco night!
What is Bunco?
Bunco is a dice game. The goal of the game is simply to roll a particular number on the die. Bunco is outrageously easy to play, I promise.
How Do You Play Bunco?
Like every game, Bunco sounds more complicated than it is when you’re talking about it. It’s EASY to play. Truly. All you need to do is roll dice and looking for numbers 1-6. Read on for more details about how to play.
How many players do you need to play Bunco?
Bunco is typically played with twelve players. The twelve players are divided into three groups of four. Each group plays at a separate table.
Setting Up Your Bunco Game
Within each group of four there are two partners. The partners typically sit across from each other.
Designate one table as the head table.
Playing Bunco
At the start of round one, the head table rings a bell to signal that play has begun.
In each game you are rolling for a goal number. So, in game one, you are rolling for ones. In game two, you are rolling for twos. This continues for numbers one through six. You can play as many rounds as you would like .
On your turn roll three dice. If you roll the goal number on any of the dice (or a baby bunco – see below), you keep rolling. Every time you roll that number counts as one point. As soon as you roll three dice without rolling a goal number, your turn is over and play continues clockwise.
I promise this is the easiest game you’ll ever play. There’s no strategy. All you do is roll dice. Every single game sounds complicated when you explain the rules. I need you to trust me that you can catch on to this game is no time at all.
How to Keep Score in Bunco
You score one point for each goal number rolled. For example if you’re on round one, you score one point every time you roll a one.
Bunco – 21 points if you roll the goal number on all three dice in one roll.
Baby Bunco (also called mini buncos) 5 points for rolling three of any number other than the “goal number” on a single roll.
The round ends once the team at the head table earns 21 points. Ring a bell to signal the end of the round. If a player is in the middle of a roll, keep rolling until you no longer earn points.
What Supplies Do I Need for Bunco?
Dice – Three dice for each table of four
Score Cards (see below for our free printable scorecards!)
Pens or Pencils
A bell (optional)
Free Printable Bunco Score Cards
Download and Print Bunco Scoresheets
These scoresheets are for personal use only.
Single Scoresheet – Quarter Page 4.5 x 5.5
Four Sheets to a Page – Full Page 8.5 x 11
Customize Your Bunco Scorecards
Single Bunco Scorecard Template
Full Page Bunco Scorecard Templte
How Long Does it Take to Play Bunco?
While there are a lot of factors at play, it takes roughly 30 minutes to play a full game, six rounds, of Bunco.
What Are Some Good Prizes for Bunco?
I’ve heard it said that some people ask all of their players to buy in to each night of Bunco for a small fee, ranging from $10 – $20.
Technically that would be gambling so we’re not recommending that.
If you’re looking for an alternative, the host can provide small prizes, like gift cards, for the winners.
Gift for the Bunco Biggest Loser
I’ve played in a few different Bunco groups and often the person with the most losses wins a prize. Sometimes it’s as simple as getting their original buy in back.
In my current Bunco group, the host puts together a “Biggest Loser” gift. It has become a challenge to see who can come up with the wackiest items to include in the gift. The items feel like things that wouldn’t even qualify for a white elephant gift exchange!
Bunco Snacks and Treats
Have fun with this!
We start with drinks and appetizers as everyone is arriving. Then we make sure to have candy on every table while people are playing.
We’re Your New Best Friends
Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy your midlife besties! Join us on Patreon every Monday where we’re talking everyday life, pop culture, and more!
You can also find us on “Girls Gone Hallmark” where we review new and fan-favorite Hallmark movies and ask the question: Did you see that?
Megan is mom of two—a son heading to college and a daughter navigating the teen years. She’s a bookworm by nature and an iced coffee enthusiast by necessity. She can be found raiding her strategic candy reserves (hidden in every drawer of her house) or apologizing for the state of her car, which she describes as ‘organized chaos.’