Rather than giving into a mentality that there is nothing to do in Grand County, especially during mud season, or filling their free time complaining about their separation from shopping malls, shoe stores and the lights of the big city, a devout bunch of local women get together once a month to socialize and play a dice game called Bunco.

Many members agree, it’s not only fun but the monthly games allow them get to know other women who they wouldn’t normally have met otherwise.

“We have a blast every time we meet,” said Missy Taylor, member.

Just two years ago, Taylor started a Ladies Night Out group in Granby. With a list of activities planned, she was hoping to meet some other women and have some fun. The women met to learn about jewelry making and gourmet cooking. They went out to the theatre and eventually bunco came into play, literally.

“Bunco was the biggest hit as the room was filled with laughter that night,” Taylor said. “So, the regulars of ladies night out unanimously voted on starting a Bunco league the following year.”

Taylor and Judy Gerard, who had just moved to Grand County, organized the details to get the league up and running. Since then, the group has experienced great success.

As a newcomer moving to the area from Denver, Gerard was excited about a Bunco league in Grand County and Taylor said Gerard was “truly our Bunco leader.”

The Grand County Ladies Bunco League consists of about a dozen players. Three tables of four players are set up with one table designated as the “head table.” As you win games, you move closer to the head table and eventually work to hold your seat there.

Players sit across from their partners for the round, with usually 18 rounds played (three rounds of six).

During the first round, players strive to rolls 1s, then 2s in the next round and so on to 6s. Points are counted until someone sitting at the head table reaches a score of 21.

They ring a bell, declaring themselves the winner and ending the round of play.

Whichever pair at the head table won the round – that pair stays at the table. The losers move to a lower table and the winners from the lower tables move up.

The game is fast paced and, unless you take your dice rolling too seriously, the game is full of laughter.

At the end of the night, monthly member fees are split amongst the winners.

Prize-winning categories include the Most Buncos. Bunco is called when someone rolls all 1s during round one, all 2s for round two and so on. Other categories to win include: Most Wins, Most Losses, the Perfect Split, and Travel (designated when any player rolls three twos during the night, then the player yells “travel” and someone throws the fuzzy “traveling dice” their way).

“So, with a little wine and a lot of fun ladies, it can be a crazy fun Bunco night,” Taylor said.

The group usually meets the second Tuesday of each month, with variations for spring break and holidays. Since there are 12 players, each member hosts a Bunco night once a month at their home, providing food and beverages for their guests.

With its growing popularity in Grand County, the league is excited to announce a second group started last fall by Francine Andersen. The league is also open to new female members and its substitution list continues to grow.

To join or for more information, call Taylor at (970) 887-0168.