How to Play Bunko

Set up three or more tables, depending on the number of players. Seat four people at each table. One table is the head table and the other tables are numbered accordingly (table two, table three, etc.).

Put together a bunco box. The bunco box should include a hand bell, pencils for each player, a set of three dice for every table, scorecards for each player, envelopes for money, one notepad per table, and a bunco bunny or other soft stuffed animal.

Decide how many games will be played, usually three to five. Have each player put a designated amount of money into the money envelope. Five dollars per person is typical. The person with the most points at the end of the evening wins the money envelope.

Seat everyone at tables. The person across from an individual is his partner.

Ring the bell at the head table to start the first round. There are six rounds in each game, and the objective is for each team to roll more 1s during that round than the other team at the table before the bell rings again. During round two, the objective is to roll more 2s than the other team, and so forth.

Rotate play clockwise. Each player rolls the three dice hoping to get the round number (ex: round 1) or a birdie, which is three identical numbers on the dice but not the round number. A birdie is worth five points. A bunco is three identical numbers on the dice that match the round number and is worth 25 points. If a player rolls the round number on any of the dice, she continues to roll until she does not roll the round number again.

Keep track of points. During round one, If someone rolls a 1, 1, and 3, he would get a total of two points. Once someone reaches 25 points at a table, the round is over for the table. Once someone at the head table reaches 25 points, she rings the bell and the round is over for all tables.

Move the losing team from the head table to the lowest-numbered table. The losing teams from the other tables stay in place. The winning teams move up to the next highest-numbered table. The goal is to sit at the head table and continue to win so as to stay as long as possible at the head table.

Switch partners before the new round starts.

Use the bunco bunny or other stuffed animal if a table is missing a player. Another player will roll for the bunco bunny. It is not necessary to keep score for the stuffed animal.