Bunco Party

Let’s talk about Bunco, the little dice game that everyone will love. If you’ve never played before, get ready for a whole lot of laughs, snacks, and a little bit of healthy competition. Whether you’re looking for something new for a family game night, a girls’ night in, or even a themed party with teens or tweens, a Bunco party might just be your new favorite tradition.

So, what is Bunco exactly? How do you play? And why is everyone giggling around the kitchen table when the dice start rolling? Let’s break it all down so you can see why this game is so popular.

What Even Is Bunco?

Bunco (or Bunko) is a fast-paced dice game that’s all about luck, laughter, and lots of rolling. It’s been around since the 1800s, believe it or not! Originally a gambling game, it was transformed into a totally family-friendly activity and has become a favorite for families, neighborhood parties, and even classrooms.

You don’t need to be good at strategy, numbers, or even games in general. If you can roll dice and keep score (or have someone nearby who can), you’re golden.

Why Bunco Is So Much Fun

Oh my goodness, where do I start? Here are some of the things that make Bunco so much fun:

It’s easy to learn. Seriously, you can teach someone in under five minutes.
It’s social! You switch tables and partners constantly, so you talk to everyone.
It gets LOUD. In the best way. There’s cheering, laughing, shouting “BUNCO!!” and maybe some friendly smack talk.
It works for any age. Kids, teens, grandparents, everyone gets in on the fun.
Themes make it even better. More on that later, because this part is SO good.

How to Play Bunco (The Basics!)

If you’re new to Bunco, don’t worry! I’ve got you. Here’s a simple guide to get you rolling (pun 100% intended).

What You Need:

12 players is traditional (but you can adjust for fewer or more)
3 tables with 4 players each
3 dice per table
Score sheets
Pencils
A bell (or something fun to ring!)
Prizes (optional but super fun!)

Now, if you have a smaller group, you can totally adapt this. I’ve played with 8 before, and it still worked great. Just scale the tables and dice accordingly.

The Objective

The goal is to roll the dice and try to match the number of the current round. So in round 1, you’re trying to roll 1s. Round 2, roll 2s. And so on up to round 6.

Each correct number you roll = 1 point. But roll three of a kind of the round number (like three 3s in round 3)? That’s a BUNCO!

How the Game Works:

Start in teams of two at each table. Players across from each other are partners.
Each table rolls to see who starts.
On your turn, roll all three dice.
Each die that matches the round number scores a point.
Keep rolling as long as you keep scoring.
If you don’t score any points, your turn is over and the dice move to the next player.
Roll a BUNCO (three of the current round number) and yell it out loud! You get 21 points and the whole room cheers!
The “head table” (table 1) controls the game pace. When someone at that table reaches 21 points, they ring the bell and everyone stops.
Tally up your team’s points, switch partners and rotate tables, and then start the next round.

Each game has 6 rounds (one for each number on the dice). The player with the most Buncos or wins at the end is the champion!

Scoring Breakdown (Quick and Easy)

Each die matching the round number = 1 point
3 of the same number (but NOT the round number) = 5 points
3 of the round number = BUNCO = 21 points
First team to reach 21 ends the round

Pro tip: Have someone good with numbers keep an eye on scores and maybe pass out snacks while they’re at it.

Themed Bunco Parties = So Much More Fun

Okay, now this is where you can really let your creativity shine. A Bunco night is fun all on its own, but a themed Bunco party? Yes, please!

Here are some super fun ideas that are big hits for all ages:

1. Pajama Party Bunco

Everyone comes in cozy PJs, fuzzy slippers, and messy buns. Hot cocoa bar? Yes. Extra marshmallows? Always.

2. Taco Tuesday Bunco

Serve tacos, chips, and salsa, maybe even margaritas for the grown-ups and mocktails for the kids! Bonus points for sombreros and fiesta decorations.

3. Holiday Bunco

You can do a Christmas Bunco, Valentine’s Day Bunco, or even Halloween Bunco with themed snacks, decorations, and costumes.

Halloween idea: Witch hats, candy corn, spooky dice, and spiderweb tablecloths. Teens love this one!

Christmas idea: Everyone wears red and green, bring a gift for a White Elephant exchange, and enjoy peppermint everything.

4. Glow-in-the-Dark Bunco

Perfect for tweens and teens! Use black lights, glow sticks, and neon table settings. You can even find glow-in-the-dark dice online!

5. Spa Night Bunco

Face masks, fluffy robes, cucumber water, and a few rounds of relaxing dice rolling. Moms will thank you for this one.

Family-Friendly Bunco Tips

Let younger kids pair up with an adult if they’re still learning to count.
Use bigger print scorecards for grandparents or little ones.
Don’t stress the rules, just have fun. Bunco is meant to be a little chaotic.
Play music in the background to keep the vibe going.
Have little treats or prizes for “Most Buncos,” “Most Losses” (yes, that’s a thing!), “Most Spirited Player,” etc.

Prizes and Snacks

You don’t have to do prizes, but trust me, people love them. Keep it simple:

Cute notepads or candles
Mini gift cards
Candy bags
“Winner” crown or sash
Funny trophy from the dollar store

Snacks? Go finger food all the way. Chips, cookies, mini sandwiches, fruit kabobs, cupcakes. You know your crew. Anything easy to grab between dice rolls is perfect.

Can Kids Play Bunco?

YES! That’s the beauty of this game, it’s totally kid-friendly. My youngest got into it around age 7 (with a little help), and she loved yelling “BUNCO!” louder than anyone else in the room.

Teens also get totally into it, especially with themes or glow-in-the-dark accessories. You might even catch them putting their phones down (gasp!).

Why Bunco Parties Are the Best

A Bunco party isn’t just a boring game, it is about connecting, laughing, and making memories. Whether you’re hosting your book club besties, a group of tweens for a birthday party, or your whole extended family at the holidays, Bunco brings people together in the best, most fun, slightly noisy way.

So grab some dice, clear off the dining table, and get rolling!

Bunco Party