It’s a Tuesday night, and the ladies are ready for some action. They gather in the kitchen, pour themselves a glass of wine, and greet each other with hellos and hugs. Tonight’s game of choice? Bunco.
Bunco, a progressive dice game that originated in England, was introduced to the United States in the 1880s during the Gold Rush. In recent years, it has become popular with suburban housewives. The object of the game is to roll certain combinations while amassing points. Bunco is a social game involving little skill, pure luck and an extensive set of rules.
“Bunco is fun from a social aspect,” said Katy Fairman, a married mother of two and part-time communications manager who played hostess for the night’s game. “It’s a night away with women you have a lot in common with.”
Bunco, or as some people might spell it, Bunko, is defined by the dictionary as “a swindle in which a person is cheated at gambling, persuaded to buy a nonexistent, unsalable, or worthless object, or otherwise victimized.” For these women playing tonight, there’s more to savor than swindle.
The players are married women from Danville, Alamo and Blackhawk. Some of the women work part time, others are stay-at-home moms. An hour before the game begins, the ladies enjoy wine, champagne, hors d’oeuvres and animated conversation. Before long, one can hardly hear over the rowdiness and laughter.
Topics of conversation are everything from their kids and updates on their husbands to home improvement and great deals on eBay. Kerri Gilbert, a tall brunette with a quick wit and one of the original players when the group formed six years ago, is soliciting references to be a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troop.
Janice Alamillo, co-chair of the Rowan Branch of Children’s Hospital Oakland and another of the group’s original players, shares stories of recent vacations with her table.
“It’s great visiting with girlfriends. When your kids all start going to different schools, it gets harder and harder to see each other,” Alamillo said.
The group usually meets once a month, rotating houses every time.
“One rule of Bunco is you have to have good candy on your tables,” said hostess Katy Fairman.
At most Bunco games, players receive some kind of small gift for first, second and third place for most wins. Prizes can be anything from gift cards to small trinkets and treats.
As they play (three tables of four players) and the tables rotate, there’s a natural pause in the game for five or so minutes where the ladies catch up with each other and enjoy a sip of wine. As the game progresses, the energy in the room elevates.
“The most random things come up at any moment. Sometimes you’re literally crying-laughing,” Gilbert said.
And where are the children when mom is gone? They’re home with dad or out getting pizza with other players’ husbands and kids. For the women playing this evening, a much needed night off is a good thing.
“He’ll ask how I did in the game,” Yvonne Mink said of her husband Jeff. “He thinks it’s a good outlet for me, being out with friends.”
As the night winds down after three hours of play, the ladies are ready to call it a night. Shannon Thompson makes the last roll in her rotation and sums up the evening.
“Sometimes getting out the door to come is tough, but once you’re here, you’re glad you came.”
Find more information on Bunco at www.buncogame.com/brules.shtml
