How to Play Bunco: Your Top Questions Answered

Official rules for PlayBunco

Dice Set: 3 six-sided die

Number of Rounds: 6 (1-6 corresponding to each side of the dice)

Number of Players: 4

Object of the Game: To win the majority of the rounds (1-6). You win a round by scoring 21 points. Each player takes turns rolling the dice to score points.

How to Play: One player is selected randomly to go first.

For instance, in Round 1:

• If you roll 1, it counts as one point.
• If you roll 1 - 1, it counts as two points.
• If you roll 1 - 1 - 1, it's a BUNCO and you automatically win the round with 21 points.

If you roll a three-of-a-kind that doesn’t match the round number (such as 4 - 4 - 4 for Round 1), it counts as 5 points. It's important to note that rolling three matching dice does not constitute a Bunco unless it aligns with the current round number; otherwise, it is not a Bunco.

You can continue rolling as long as you keep scoring points.

If you don’t roll a number that matches the round number or don’t roll a three-of-a-kind (non-round number), then you forfeit your turn to the next player.

The round ends when one of the players scores a total of 21 points. Then the next round begins.

The game winner is the player with the most rounds won.

In the event of a tie, the player with the most buncos wins.

If it’s still a tie, the player with the greatest total score wins.

Bunco game play FAQs

What is Bunco?

Bunco is a social dice game played with 12 players in four teams of three.

How do you play Bunco?

Players take turns rolling three dice, aiming to score points by rolling specific combinations. Generally there are three tables of four players all trying to roll to 21 points.

We have a complete list of Bunco rules you can review.

How many rounds are played in Bunco?

Typically, the game consists of six rounds called "sets". However, house rules can vary depending on players and time.

What is a Bunco?

A "Bunco" is when a player rolls three dice of the same number as the current round. Whoever gets the most Buncos across all rounds is the winner.

How many points is a Bunco worth?

A Bunco is worth 21 points and is a three of a kind that matches the round number you're playing. So in the first round, your goal is to get 1-1-1. If you get a three of a kind that does not match the round number, like 2-2-2 on the first round, that's a "mini Bunco" and is worth 5 points.

What is the objective of Bunco?

The objective is to score points by rolling specific combinations and being the first team to reach a target score.

How many dice are used in Bunco?

Three dice are used in Bunco at each table. For a traditional Bunco game you'll need nine dice, three for each table.

Are there any specific rules for rolling the dice in Bunco?

Each player must roll the dice underhand and aim to roll the target number for that round.

What is the target number in each round of Bunco?

The target number is the current round number.

How are ties resolved in Bunco?

In the event of a tie, players continue rolling until one team scores higher.

Is there a time limit for each round in Bunco?

Typically, there is no specific time limit for each round in Bunco. However, the head table sets the pace for each round and every player involved. In our free online Bunco game, this isn’t necessary.

Bunco group and game night FAQs

Can children play Bunco?

Yes, Bunco is suitable for children but may require simplified rules and scoring. Instead of playing with numbered score cards, you could substitute candy, toys, or coins.

Is there a recommended age for playing Bunco?

Bunco is often enjoyed by adults, but children as young as eight can play with modified rules.

Can Bunco be played for money?

Yes, some groups choose to play Bunco for money, with each player contributing to a prize pool. You can read this guide to playing Bunco for money for ideas and variations.

What are Bunco prizes?

In lieu of money sometimes people will play for prizes, which could be as simple as food or access to more prized table snacks. Typically, the person hosting the game will bring a pair of fuzzy dice or novelty item to indicate who holds the prize money or prize objects.

Typically, the fuzzy dice (or any novelty object) are transferred around for whoever holds most Bunco, most wins, first person to achieve a score, most losses, the last person to achieve some metric, the lowest score, or mini Buncos.

What is a "baby Bunco?"

A baby Bunco is sometimes confused for a mini Bunco. A mini Bunco is rolling three of a kind that does not match the round number, like 4-4-4 on the second round. A baby Bunco is the name for a "ghost" player most people use at a Bunco party or as part of a Bunco group when they're down a player.

A baby Bunco is often represented by a stuffed animal or just an empty chair when there are at least three tables and one or two players are not available to fill the seats.

How many players are needed to play Bunco?

Bunco is typically played with 12 players divided into four teams of three.

Can Bunco be played with fewer than 12 players?

Yes, Bunco can be adapted for smaller groups by adjusting the number of teams or letting players sit next to empty chairs. Someone else at the table can roll dice for the ghost player.

What is the "high table"?

The high table is just another name for the head table. As always, the head table rings a bell or yells to announce the start or end of the game.

Bunco strategy and logistics

When do you switch partners in Bunco?

At traditional tables, you play Bunco with a partner at the table and your cumulative score sheets are tabulated together. The team with the most points wins and moves up to the head table.

What is the starting score in Bunco?

The starting score is usually 0 for each team. Some house rules might let some players carry over a score depending on dice rolled from one round to the next round.

How is the score kept in Bunco?

Scores are recorded on a Bunco score sheet, where each player's points are tracked by round. You can download free Bunco score sheets so players write their scores down as they go.

Can you play Bunco with more than four teams?

Yes, Bunco can be played with more teams if there are enough players.

Are there any Bunco strategies to improve chances of winning?

Luck and chance improves your chances of winning at Bunco. Since there is no real strategy, you’ll have to roll to win.

What are the rules about head table, middle table, etc.?

There are typically three tables when you Play bunco as part of a Bunco group. The head table, middle table, and a third table. The losing team stays at each table while the winning team advances "up" to the head table.

Other Bunco FAQs

What are "snake eyes" when you roll off during Bunco?

Rolling "snake eyes" in Bunco means rolling three ones, regardless of round, which is worth five points.

How long does a game of Bunco typically last?

Playing time is about half an hour. Bunco is a social game typically played as a Bunco party. Part of the fun is just being around others.

What's the point of playing at the head table?

The head table rings or yells when they're finished playing. They're the pacers for the whole room, setting the time the whole round ends. Once the head table scores 21 points, other tables stop playing.

Where does the name Bunco come from?

Bunco’s origins are mostly unknown. Some theories suspect it’s derived from the Spanish “banca”, or “bench”. Or the German word “banko” and perhaps from another variation of the game. Or it could be a derivative of 19th century American theater, where a “bunco” was synonymous with a “swindle”.

Additionally, in the early 20th century, Bunco was a popular gambling game in bars and speak easys. It became synonymous with gambling, and during prohibition and a crackdown on gambling, “Bunco squads” came to be formed. You can read more about Bunco and bunco squads.

How do house rules or variations change how you play Bunco?

Play Bunco with rules designed for more special Bunco prizes or light up your Bunco night with the perfect game. We have a list of popular Bunco variations to try.

Can Bunco be played online?

Yes, Bunco can be played online through various virtual platforms or apps. You can play Bunco for free, anytime, in any browser at PlayBunco.com.

Additional Bunco Insights

About the losing team table and penalties

In Bunco, the losing team is the one that scores the fewest points at the end of each round. Depending on the number of players, this team is typically seated at the middle table or the end table.

While the losing team doesn’t face any penalties, they do have to move to a different table for the next round. This movement keeps the game dynamic and ensures everyone gets a chance to play with different partners and opponents. So even if you find yourself on the losing team, it’s all part of a Bunco game's fun and social spirit.

Common Bunco mistakes

Even seasoned players can make mistakes when playing Bunco. One common error is forgetting to ring the bell when the head table scores 21 points, which signals the end of the round for everyone.

Another frequent mistake is not keeping track of the score correctly, which can lead to confusion and disputes. Players also sometimes forget to rotate tables correctly after each round, disrupting the flow of the game.

Lastly, not following the rules for scoring points can cause misunderstandings. To avoid these pitfalls, make sure everyone is clear on the rules and procedures before you start playing Bunco.