Bunco

Bunco began as a gambling swindle during the 1850s Gold Rush. Miners used it to fleece newcomers out of their savings. The game shifted from con to parlor entertainment by the late 1800s. Today, groups play it at parties and fundraisers across the United States. The Harvard Study of Adult Development found that regular social gatherings strengthen long-term wellbeing. Bunco delivers exactly that. Three dice. Six rounds. Pure luck. Roll the dice and start playing now.

1. Choose how many players join: 2, 3, or 4. You play as the human against computer opponents.
2. The game runs six rounds. Round 1 targets the number 1. Round 2 targets 2, and so on through Round 6.
3. On your turn, click the Roll button to roll all three dice.
4. Each die that matches the round number scores 1 point.
5. Roll three of a kind that are not the round number and you score 5 points.
6. Roll all three dice showing the round number and you score 21 points. That is a Bunco.
7. When you score points on a roll, you keep rolling. Your turn continues.
8. When you roll and score zero points, your turn ends and the next player goes.
9. After all players finish their turns in a round, the game advances to the next round. The target number changes to match the new round.
10. After Round 6, the player with the highest total wins.

• Three six-sided dice are used throughout the game.
• The game has six rounds numbered 1 through 6. The round number determines the target for that round.
• Each die matching the round number earns 1 point.
• Three of a kind that does not match the round number earns 5 points.
• Three of a kind matching the round number is a Bunco and earns 21 points.
• A roll that produces no matching dice scores zero and ends the turn.
• Scoring rolls allow the player to continue rolling.
• Players take turns in order. After every player has had at least one turn in a round, the round advances.
• The player with the most points after Round 6 wins. Ties result in a shared victory.

• Keep rolling when you are hot. Streaks happen more often than people expect with three dice. The probability of rolling at least one match in any round is roughly 42 percent. That means you will score on nearly half your rolls.
• Bunco rolls are rare. The chance of rolling three of a specific number on any given roll is 1 in 216, or about 0.46 percent. Do not count on them. Focus on consistent single-point matches instead.
• Watch the round number carefully. Players sometimes forget the target changed and celebrate a three of a kind that scores only 5 instead of 21.
• In later rounds, the target number is higher. Rolls of 4, 5, and 6 have the same probability as 1, 2, and 3. Do not let the higher numbers trick you into thinking the round is harder.
• Pay attention to opponent scores. If someone is far ahead, you need longer turns to catch up. Take risks by rolling quickly and often.

• Traditional Bunco: Played with 12 players in teams of two, rotating tables between rounds. Our version simplifies this for solo browser play against computer opponents.
• Ludo: Another dice game on our site that adds movement strategy to dice rolls. Race four tokens around a board.
• Snakes and Ladders: Uses a single die for a race-style board game. Climb ladders and avoid snakes to reach the finish first.
• Backgammon: Combines two dice with board positioning for a deeper strategy experience. Move checkers and bear off before your opponent.

• Rules take under two minutes to learn. You roll dice and check for matches. No strategy guides needed.
• The luck factor keeps everyone equal. A first-time player can beat a veteran on any given night.
• Bunco turns produce big swings. A single roll can add 21 points and flip the standings.
• The game moves fast. Six rounds take about 15 minutes. No long waits between turns.
• Groups play it at parties, fundraisers, and neighborhood gatherings. The social aspect matters as much as the dice.
• It works for all ages. Kids, parents, and grandparents can play at the same table.

Play Bunco directly in your browser. No downloads. No registration. Choose 2, 3, or 4 players and start rolling instantly. The game features animated dice, score popups, and a Bunco celebration with confetti. Computer opponents roll automatically with a short delay so you can follow the action. It works on desktop, tablet, and phone. Roll the dice and see if luck is on your side.

Bunco is pure dice luck in its most fun form. Six rounds. Three dice. One winner. The game needs no strategy and no experience. Anyone can roll and score. Whether you play with 2 or 4 players, every game brings surprises. One Bunco can change everything. Play against computer opponents right now in your browser. Pick your player count and start rolling. The dice are ready.

• Bunco - Wikipedia
• Harvard Study of Adult Development - Harvard Gazette