Shut the Box Rules, How to Play Shut the Box
The classic pub dice game. Roll two dice, flip numbered tiles that match your total, and try to "shut the box", get all tiles down for a perfect score of zero.
1 What Is Shut the Box?
Shut the Box is a classic dice and tiles game for 1 or more players, playable in 5–15 minutes per round. Players roll two dice and flip down numbered tiles (1–9) whose values add up to the dice total. The goal is to flip all tiles, "shutting the box", for a score of zero. If you can't flip any tiles, your turn ends and you score the sum of remaining open tiles. Lowest score wins.
The game dates to 18th-century Normandy and English pubs. It's traditionally made of wood with hinged numbered tiles, though travel versions, apps, and improvised versions (with paper) are common. It's one of the few solitaire-style dice games that genuinely rewards strategic thinking.
2 Setup
- Open all tiles (1 through 9) at the start of each turn.
- Use two standard six-sided dice.
- Each player takes a complete turn, rolling from tile 9 down to zero.
- In multiplayer: all players take one turn each per round. Lowest score wins the round.
3 How to Play Shut the Box
- Roll both dice.
- Choose any combination of open tiles that adds up to the dice total and flip them down.
- You must flip at least one tile on each roll. If no valid combination exists, your turn ends.
- Roll again. Repeat until you can't flip any tiles.
- Score = sum of all remaining open tiles.
Example: You roll a 9 (5+4). Open tiles: 1–9. You could flip: 9 alone, or 5+4, or 6+3, or 7+2, or 8+1, or 1+2+6, etc. You choose 6+3. Next roll: 7. You flip 7. Next roll: 6. Remaining tiles: 1,2,4,5,8. You could flip 1+5, 2+4, or just flip 6... wait, 6 is already flipped. Valid combos from {1,2,4,5,8}: 1+5=6 ✓. You flip 1+5. And so on.
4 Shut the Box Scoring
| Result | Score |
|---|---|
| All tiles flipped ("Shut the Box") | 0, perfect game! |
| Tiles 1–3 remaining | 1–6 pts, excellent |
| Tiles up to ~15 remaining | Average range |
| High single tiles left (8, 9) | Can swing score badly |
In multiplayer, the player with the lowest score after all turns wins the round. Play best of 3, 5, or any agreed number of rounds.
5 The One-Die Rule
Once all tiles 7, 8, and 9 are flipped down, you may choose to roll just one die instead of two for the remainder of your turn. Since the maximum remaining tile value is 6, two dice (minimum sum of 2, maximum 12) would often give you impossible totals. One die keeps your options viable.
This is optional, you may continue rolling two dice if you prefer.
6 Shut the Box Strategy
- Flip high tiles first. Tiles 7, 8, and 9 are the hardest to flip later (you need specific high rolls). Getting rid of them early is critical. A score of 17 if you stop early is much better than 8+9=17 left open at the end.
- Prefer fewer tiles over more tiles. Flipping one tile per roll means fewer tiles stay open, but more combinations remain available. Flipping multiple tiles reduces future options, worth it if the tiles are high-value.
- Know your combinations. Memorize what sums to each total: e.g., 9 can be made from 9, 1+8, 2+7, 3+6, 4+5, 1+2+6, 1+3+5, 2+3+4. More options = more flexibility.
- Use the one-die rule wisely. Don't switch to one die too early, wait until 7, 8, 9 are all gone. Premature one-die rolling limits your reach.
7 Shut the Box Variants
- 1–12 tiles: Extended version with two extra tiles (10, 11, 12), much harder, requires rolling high consistently.
- Team Shut the Box: Teams of two alternate rolls on a shared turn.
- Multiplayer simultaneous: Everyone rolls at once (on separate boxes), fastest player to shut wins.
- Reverse Shut the Box: Start with all tiles down; roll and flip tiles back up to match your total. First to flip all tiles open loses.
8 Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you play Shut the Box?
- Roll two dice and flip down any combination of numbered tiles that adds up to your roll. Keep rolling until no tiles can be flipped. Your score is the sum of remaining open tiles, lowest score wins.
- Can you roll one die in Shut the Box?
- Yes, once tiles 7, 8, and 9 are all flipped down, you may choose to roll just one die instead of two for the rest of your turn.
- What is a perfect game in Shut the Box?
- Shutting all tiles (score of 0) is a perfect game, called 'Shut the Box.' It's rare but celebrated.
- How many tiles does Shut the Box have?
- The classic version has tiles numbered 1–9. Some versions include 1–10 or even 1–12.
- Is Shut the Box a pub game?
- Yes, Shut the Box originated in English and Norman pubs, where players would wager on rounds. It's still popular as a bar game today.
- What is the best strategy for Shut the Box?
- Flip higher-numbered tiles first when possible. They're harder to flip later (require specific high rolls) and contribute more to your score if left open. Always consider all valid combinations before choosing.
- Can multiple players compete in Shut the Box?
- Yes, each player takes a full turn, rolling until they can no longer flip tiles. After all players go, the lowest score wins. Play multiple rounds and tally.