First, let me get the legal stuff out of the way: this contest is open to anyone living in the US who is aged 18 or older. Only posts that are unedited will be accepted as answers. Prize will be shipped to the winner at no cost to the winner. The prize will be a new copy of Bunco Party game kit which is worth $19.99. For complete BellaOnline contest and sweepstakes rules, please visit http://www.bellaonline.com/misc/sweeps/rules.asp

Now, the prize for this contest will be a brand spankin' new copy of this cool Bunco Party kit, which comes in a neat collectible tin. Read my review of the game kit here:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art3210.asp

The rules are simple: I'm going to present a series of trivia questions, one at a time. The first one to post the correct answer to each question gets one point. The first person to accumulate five points is the winner! Again, only UNEDITED posts will be accepted.

This contest, like all of my contests, will have a theme: since Bunco was a popular gambling game in the Wild West, all of the questions will be related to Wild West and Old West trivia.

Ready? Go!

All right, question #1:

New York City native Henry McCarty was better known by what name?

Billy the Kid

Ding Ding! One point for kmslape.

Next question:

Wild Bill Hickock was shot to death at a poker game in what Wild West town?

Deadwood, Dakota Territory

And that's one for Samten!

Next question:

What NYPD Blue producer went on to produce the HBO hit series Deadwood?

David Milch

Yes, ma'am (I met him, he's a super nice guy!)

That's 2 for Samten.

Next question:

What banjo-playing author of "Pudd'nhead Wilson" tried his hand at silver mining out West in his younger days? (Note: either his real name or his pen name are acceptable)

Samual Clemens

Pen name

Mark Twain

You got it! Samten is roaring into the lead with 3.... but it's still anyone's game! Don't be scared to jump in, everyone!

Next question: The famous "Oregon Trail" began in what Missouri town?

Independence, Missouri

Funny you should ask that one Megan, we are looking at taking a a day trip and tour! For those who are interested...

http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/tourism/Daytrips_Rails.stm
And
http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/tourism/trails_sites.stm

Now, back to the regularly scheduled forum contest;)

That would be fun! I've never been there; I've only been to St. Louis, and only once. By the way, you got the answer right. Samten is at 4!

Next question:

What gun company made the "Peacemaker", which became known as "the gun that won the West"?

Colt

That's 2 for kmslape!

Okay, next question:

What famous mail system carried over 35,000 pieces of mail over 650,000 miles, but lasted only 19 months?

The Pony Express

Congrats Samten!!!

Well done, Samten! I'll get in touch with you, and everyone else, I'll have a new contest posted very soon!