Bunco, under it's original name of "8 - Dice Cloth" was played in England during the 18th century as a parlour game played by women, couples or school children. It was unknown in the United States until 1855, when introduced to San Francisco during the Gold Rush by a crooked gambler.

Bunco Dice and Bunco Cards were combined to form a more efficient method of separating hard working citizens from their money at numerous gambling locations. These locations were known as Bunco parlors. The word "Bunco" came to be a general term that applied to all scams, swindling and confidence games. After the civil war and the turn of the century, Bunco flourished as the population grew and the economy recovered.

Through the Victorian era and prior to WWI, Bunco achieved placement as a traditional family or parlor game promoting social interaction. During this period Bunco groups consisting of 8-12 people enjoyed an evening of food, drink, conversation, and friendly competition. During prohibition and the roaring 20's, the infamous Bunco gambling parlors resurfaced in various regions. The most notorious speak-easies and Bunco dice parlors were located in and around Chicago, Illinois. The term "Bunco Squad" referred to the detectives who raided these establishments.

Since the early 1980's Bunco group activity has increased. Traditionally, most Bunco groups consist of 12 players (usually women and occasionally couples.) Playing Bunco is great way to maintain relationships and make new friends. Bunco is a game of dice, luck, and prizes.

PLAYING THE GAME

Take 12 score sheets and secretly draw a star on four of the sheets. Have each person pick a score sheet, this will tell you who will be starting at the head table. The remaining 8 players can sit at the "Middle" or "Losing" tables.

Each table is randomly divided into 2 teams. Team couples sit across from each other. Pick one person on each team to tally points during each round. Keep track of team points by using the tally sheet--these points are only used for each number round. To save paper, just cross out previous rounds tallies and continue with new round on the same paper.

The "Head" table controls the pace of the game. The game begins when the "Head" table rings the bell. One player from each table starts the game by trying to roll "ones" with the 3 dice. Always take your roll using 3 dice. If 1 of the die shows the number currently "up" tally 1 point, if 2 of the dice show the number currently "up" tally 2 points.

When you roll "three of a kind" of the number you are currently rolling this is a BUNCO!!!(21 points). Keep rolling and collecting points. Do not forget to give yourself, not your teammate, one BUNCO point on the bottom of your score sheet after your turn is finished. If at this time or any other time a player at the "Head" table rolls a BUNCO the bell is rung & the round stops. The other players currently rolling finish their turn and continue collecting points.

Remember, the fuzzy die is passed from player to player as BUNCO'S are rolled.

If you roll "three of a kind"--of another number--give your team 5 points and keep rolling and collecting points until you do not roll the number that is "up".

If you do not roll the number that is currently "up" the person to your left takes their turn.

When the "Head" table reaches 21 points or rolls a BUNCO they ring the bell to signal the end of that round. The number currently up changes to the next number (1 to 2, 2 to 3, etc.).

The winning team stays at the "Head" table. Have one teammate move over a chair so they will have different partners for the next round. The losing team from the "Head" table goes down to the "Middle" table.

The winning team from the "Middle" table goes to the "Head" table and the winning team from the "Losing" table goes to the "Middle" table. The losing team from the from the "Middle" table goes down to the "Losing" table and the losing team at the "Losing" table stays at the table but one player moves over one chair so they will have a different partner.

At this point write W or L (Winner or Loser) on your own score sheet for that round. Keep your score sheet with you at all times. Do not stay with your partner--your new partner will be one person from the winning or losing team joining you at the "Winning", "Middle", or "Losing" table.

The "Head" table rings the bell to signal the start of a new round.

If the teams have a tie score there will be a roll-off to determine the winner.

Play continues for two complete sets. At this point, take a break for dessert and then continue the last 2 sets.

The game ends when all 4 sets of BUNCO have been completed. Each person then adds up the their total BUNCO'S, Wins, and Losses from each round and writes the totals at the bottom of their score sheet. Prizes are awarded at this time.

PRIZE SELECTION

The prize values equal the suggested $5 contribution made by each player at the beginning of the game. $20 prize for the player who roles the most BUNCO'S. $15 prize for the most wins. $10 prize for traveling... the player who rolled the last BUNCO and is holding the fuzzy die at the end of the game. $8 prize for 50/50... the player with equal wins and losses. $5 prize for the most losses. $2 prize for "At least I'm taking something home" prize.

Collect the remaining score sheets from players without prizes and host draws a winner.

SUPPLIES

1. 12 fun-loving people, 1 of which is the hostess for the month.
2. 3 tables, 4 people, each table.
3. At each table: 3 dice, 2 pencils, 2 scratch pads and a score sheet for each person.
4. Bell to signal rounds (Stays at head table).
5. 1 Fuzzy Traveling Die (Begins at head table).

LINGO

BUNCO~
Rolling "three of a kind" with the current number round being rolled (a BUNCO is always worth 21 points for yourself and your teammate). Remember, only the player who rolls the Bunco gets the actual Bunco point at the bottom of their scoresheet. If at any time a player at the "Head" table rolls a Bunco they immediately ring the bell to signal the end of that particular round.

Round~
A round is a full turn of the number currently being rolled. As noted on the score sheet, each set is broken down into 6 rounds.

Set~
The game is divided into 4 sets. 1 Set equals 6 rounds.

Die~
Singular for Dice. When a player rolls a Bunco the keep the Fuzzy Die until the next Bunco is rolled.

Head Table~
The "Head" table controls the pace of the game.

Ghost~
If there are not enough players, a ghost player can be substituted. The ghost moves from chair to chair like any player would. If the ghost rolls a Bunco, her team gets the 21 points and her teammate gets the Bunco point.

Roll-Off~
If the score is tied at the end of a round there is a "Roll-Off." a Roll-Off is one complete turn around the table--rolling the current number "up"--playing one full round at the table while collecting points. The team with the most points after the Roll-Off is the winner and moves up a table.