Couples and groups in the '50s and '60s entertained themselves by playing Charades. However, arm-flailing and facemaking are not popular among today's more sophisticated generation.
The game of the '90s is Bunco. Nobody knows for sure who invented it, but many claim the dice game originated here in Utah County. One thing's for sure, it's sweeping the county like a broom. More people are members of Bunco clubs than Kiwanis and Rotary clubs combined."Honey, will you watch the kids tonight? I have Bunco," is heard throughout homes in the valley.
If you've heard co-workers discussing their Bunco club, but you've never had a chance to fling the dice yourself, it's time to learn the new sensation.
Bunco is not a game to be played by a few. A good Bunco game requires 12 or 16 players. The game starts with four players and three dice on each table. At the word "go," one player on each table rolls the dice. Players are trying to roll the target number. For each target number they roll they get one point. Five points are awarded for rolling three of a kind other than the target number. Three of a kind of the target number is worth 21 points, and this is called a Bunco.
As long as a player is rolling points, he or she keeps rolling. As soon as a player fails to roll a point, the player to the left grabs the dice and starts rolling. Play continues around the table until someone in the room gets 21 points or a Bunco, at which time they yell "Bunco." After each Bunco, each player writes down their points for that target number. The person with the high score on each table moves one table to the right.
The target number changes at the end of each Bunco. The first target number is one, then it goes to two, etc. The game consist of six rounds, with each round made up of the six target numbers on the dice. At the end of the game each player totals his or her scores from all the rounds. Prizes are awarded for highest score, second-highest score, lowest score, most Buncos and last Bunco.
The game can also be played in a couples version. The couples version goes faster because your partner's roll of the dice counts toward your target number score, but not your final score. At the end of each Bunco each couple writes down their score. The couple with the lowest score on each table moves one table to the left. When a couple reaches the end table they change partners. Scores differ because partners constantly change and winners are still determined on an individual basis.
The excitement of Bunco is its frantic action. The faster you roll the dice, the more turns you'll get and the better chance you'll have to get Bunco first and the most points.
However, what really makes Bunco popular is the time between rounds to eat refreshments and talk. Most post-Bunco social activities last about two hours and that's often when the most fun is had. Members take turns hosting the club, which gives each member a chance to show off his or her house and taste in food.
Games like Balderdash, Dictionary and Dominoes also are becoming popular among couples and groups. However, Monopoly has lost much of its appeal because it reminds people too much of real life and depresses them.