How to Organize a Bunco Group
You can organize a Bunco group among friends, neighbors and coworkers. Bunco is a dice throwing game with the object of getting the most points for each round. It is easy to learn and play. Bunco is primarily played as a backdrop for socializing and getting better acquainted as you do not need to concentrate to play the game well. You will need at least three tables of four players each to make the game successful. Players change seats after each round which allows the players to mingle with other guests throughout the progression of the game.
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Things You'll Need
- Name tags
- Three dice per table
- Two pencils per table
- Two score pads or cards per table
- One tally card per person
- Bell
- Large fuzzy die or other soft item
- One chair per person
- One table for each four persons
- Bunco rules
- Roster of group members
- Shoe box sized storage container
Instructions
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Organizing a Bunco Group
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1
Plan a starting date for your group. Groups can meet weekly, monthly, or alternating months. For a group of 12, meet monthly having each member take a turn as hostess. You may want to have an introductory Bunco night at your home so that those unfamiliar with the game can experience it firsthand.
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2
Make a list of 15 to 20 people who have a common bond such as young mothers, coworkers, church friends, or neighbors. Contact each person on the list to see if she is interested in joining a group. Be prepared to give an explanation of how Bunco is played. Try to enlist 12 regular group members to give your group a solid basis for operating. As you contact possible group members, keep a list of people who are willing to substitute when needed. You will need a substitute list from which to draw. Later on, substitutes might become permanent members if a regular group member has to drop out.
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3
Read and learn the rules and variations of Bunco. Be prepared to make a recommendation on the rules your group will follow. Rules need to be determined at the first gathering since there are so many variations played.
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4
Poll group members about how much money they are willing to spend on their monthly gatherings. Each player chips in a predetermined fee, usually around $5, each meeting which is used by the hostess to offset the cost of prizes or serves as cash prizes for the winners. Determine whether your group prefers cash prizes or goods. If neither option has the majority vote, you can let each hostess determine whether she will be awarding cash or goods.
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5
Gather the materials needed to play Bunco such as dice, pencils, score cards, bell and Bunco plush die or toy. This last item is passed from person to person as she scores a Bunco. Provide a container for easy storage of supplies and transfer from one hostess to the next. For scoring, you can use a specialized Bunco score card, or a small spiral note pad. You will need two score pads per table. For individual scoring, use a simple index card or create a themed scorecard on your computer.
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Tips & Warnings
Agree on which rules the group will use and which categories will be used for awarding prizes.
Determine ahead of time who is responsible for finding a sub if member cannot attend.
Decide if an absent player is still expected to pay into the 'kitty' if she cannot find someone to substitute for her.
References
Resources
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