WLU to host Bunco during Auburn’s Winter Fest Jan. 28

AUBURN — Join the fun at the Woman’s Literary Union Foss Mansion from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, to play Bunco, a popular game played with dice and a whole lot of luck. No knowledge or experience is required.

The game of Bunco originated from 19th-century England and traveled to America and then to San Francisco as a gambling activity in 1855, where it gave its name to gambling parlors, or “Bunco parlors,” and more generally to any swindle. After the Civil War, the game evolved to a popular parlor game. During the 1920s and Prohibition, Bunco was re-popularized as a gambling game, often associated with a speakeasy. Law enforcement groups raiding these parlors came to be known as “Bunco squads.” On Saturday, no raid is expected!

As it is played today, Bunco is a social dice game involving 100 percent luck and no skill (there are no decisions to be made), scoring and a simple set of rules. The object of the game is to accumulate points and to roll certain combinations. The winners get prizes for accomplishments such as rolling the highest number of Buncos, rolling the lowest number of Buncos, or answering trivia questions correctly.

Bunco is not merely a game, but a reason to connect with friends for homemade refreshments, lots of laughter and excitement, and just plain fun. Playing Bunco is great way to maintain relationships and make new friends.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m., game starts at 2 p.m. Suggested donation of $10 per person at the door will go to the Horatio and Ella Foss Mansion Restoration Fund for the restoration of this nationally recognized home in Auburn.

For tickets, call Carol Mashaw 207-713-5888. Reservation deadline is Friday, Jan. 27. The Foss Mansion is at 19 Elm Street in Auburn.