Roll the dice to begin!
Game Info
- Roll the dice
- Select tiles that add up to the dice sum
- Click "CONFIRM SHUT" to close them
- Repeat until all tiles are closed (WIN) or you can't make a move (LOSE)
If the sum of remaining open tiles is 6 or less, you can choose to roll 1 die instead of 2.
If you roll an 8, you can select: [8], [1+7], [2+6], [3+5], [1+2+5], or [1+3+4]
đShut the Box Rules
Shut the Box is a classic pub dice game where players try to flip down all numbered tiles (1-9) by rolling dice and selecting combinations of tiles that sum to the dice total.
The game has a long history, with origins possibly dating back to 12th century Normandy or the Channel Islands. It became popular in English pubs and was the basis for the American TV game show "High Rollers" hosted by Alex Trebek.
đŽHow to Play
Setup
All tiles numbered 1 through 9 start in the "open" (up) position.
Gameplay
- Roll the dice: Roll 2 dice (or 1 die if the sum of open tiles is 6 or less)
- Select tiles: Choose any combination of open tiles that add up exactly to the dice sum
- Shut tiles: Click "CONFIRM SHUT" to close the selected tiles
- Repeat: Continue rolling and shutting tiles until you win or lose
Winning
WIN: Close all tiles (score 0). This is called "Shut the Box" - you win immediately!
Losing
LOSE: If you roll a number and no combination of remaining open tiles can equal that sum, the game ends. Your score is the sum of all remaining open tiles (lower is better).
đĄ Strategy Tip
Try to close higher numbers first when possible, as they contribute more to your score. However, sometimes it's better to close multiple smaller numbers to keep your options open for future rolls.
đHow Scoring Works
Shut the Box uses a low-score-wins system. Your goal is to minimize your final score by closing as many tiles as possible.
Perfect Score (Win)
If you close all tiles, your score is 0. This is called "Shutting the Box" and is an immediate victory!
Losing Score
If you cannot make a valid move (no combination of open tiles equals your dice sum), the game ends. Your score is the sum of all remaining open tiles.
Example: If tiles 3, 6, and 9 remain open when you can't make a move, your score is 3 + 6 + 9 = 18.
Score Ranges
- 0: Perfect game - All tiles closed (WIN!)
- 1-10: Excellent score - Very few tiles remaining
- 11-20: Good score - Some tiles closed
- 21-30: Average score - About half the tiles closed
- 31-45: Poor score - Many tiles still open
đ¯ Goal
The ultimate goal is to achieve a score of 0 by closing all 9 tiles. However, even scores under 10 are considered excellent performances!
đĄStrategy Tips
Balance High and Low Numbers
While closing high numbers (7, 8, 9) reduces your score more, you need flexibility for future rolls. Sometimes closing multiple low numbers gives you more options later.
Early Game Strategy
- Prioritize flexibility: Keep various numbers available for different dice combinations
- Avoid closing all low numbers: You might need them for combinations later
- Close high numbers when possible: 7, 8, and 9 are worth the most points
Mid Game Strategy
- Plan ahead: Consider what dice sums you might roll and which tiles you'll need
- Close isolated numbers: If you have a high number that can't combine with others easily, close it
- Keep pairs: Numbers that can pair up (like 3+6=9, 4+5=9) give you flexibility
Late Game Strategy
- Use the 1-die rule: When remaining sum ⤠6, you can roll 1 die instead of 2
- Prioritize remaining high tiles: Close the highest remaining tiles first
- Be careful with combinations: Make sure you have tiles that can sum to various numbers
Common Combinations to Remember
- Sum of 9: [9], [1+8], [2+7], [3+6], [4+5], [1+2+6], [1+3+5], [2+3+4]
- Sum of 8: [8], [1+7], [2+6], [3+5], [1+2+5], [1+3+4]
- Sum of 7: [7], [1+6], [2+5], [3+4], [1+2+4]
âFrequently Asked Questions
When can I use 1 die instead of 2?
When the sum of all remaining open tiles is 6 or less, you can choose to roll 1 die instead of 2. This gives you more control over the outcome, as 1 die can only roll 1-6, which matches the range of remaining tiles.
What if I can't make the exact sum?
You must select tiles that add up exactly to the dice sum. If no combination of open tiles equals the dice sum, the game ends and your score is the sum of all remaining open tiles.
Can I select tiles in any order?
Yes! You can click tiles in any order to select them. The order doesn't matter - only the total sum needs to match the dice sum. You can select [3, 6] or [6, 3] - both equal 9.
What's a good score?
A score of 0 (shutting the box) is perfect. Scores under 10 are considered excellent. Scores under 20 are good. The average score for experienced players is typically around 15-25.
Can I unselect a tile after clicking it?
Yes! Simply click a selected tile again to unselect it. This allows you to experiment with different combinations before confirming your choice.
Is there a strategy to guarantee a win?
No, there's no guaranteed winning strategy because dice rolls are random. However, good players combine probability knowledge (knowing which dice sums are most common) with strategic tile selection (keeping options open) to maximize their chances of success.
What's the hardest part of the game?
The most challenging aspect is managing the trade-off between closing high-value tiles (which reduce your score more) and maintaining flexibility (keeping options for future rolls). Knowing when to close which tiles is the key skill.
âšī¸About Shut the Box
Shut the Box is a classic pub game with a rich history dating back potentially to 12th century Normandy or the Channel Islands. The game became popular in English pubs and has been enjoyed by players worldwide for centuries.
The game was so influential that it served as the basis for the American TV game show "High Rollers", hosted by Alex Trebek in the 1970s and 1980s. The simple yet engaging mechanics have made it a favorite in casual gaming settings.
Why Play Shut the Box Online?
- Experience a classic game with centuries of history
- Test your strategic thinking and probability skills
- Challenge yourself to achieve a perfect score of 0
- Practice with unlimited games - no need for physical equipment
- Free to play - no registration required
This online version brings Shut the Box to your browser with smooth animations, intuitive controls, and a beautiful wooden box aesthetic. Whether you're a seasoned player or discovering the game for the first time, you'll find this version both challenging and rewarding.
Game Variants
While our version uses the standard 1-9 tile layout, there are many variants of Shut the Box. Some versions use tiles 1-12, while others have different scoring systems. The core concept remains the same: close as many tiles as possible to minimize your score!
We hope you enjoy playing Shut the Box! Try to shut the box and achieve a perfect score! đĻ