Dice Games / Shut the Box
Shut the Box rules & how to play
Close numbered tiles whose sum matches the dice total. Aim for the lowest score from remaining tiles. Shutting every tile scores zero.
Rules: 0.27.1 series · Updated October 12, 2026. Values are preset examples; active match settings take precedence.
Overview and objective
Close numbered tiles whose sum matches the dice total. Aim for the lowest score from remaining tiles. Shutting every tile scores zero.
Players and setup
2–4 players: you occupy the first seat and the others are CPUs. Choose the player count, each CPU's strength and rules in match setup. The default is two players. Resuming uses the saved settings.
Equipment and controls
Use tiles 1–9 or 1–12 and one or two six-sided dice. After rolling, choose open tiles whose sum matches the total and close them. A closed tile cannot be used again in the same attempt.
Turn sequence
Each seat starts with all tiles open. Close a matching combination, then roll again. With no legal combination, that seat's attempt ends. For example, a total of 8 allows 8, 1 + 7, 3 + 5, and other combinations.
Scoring and winning
Score the sum of remaining tiles or the integer formed by joining them in ascending order. Tiles 1, 3, 9 score 13 by sum or 139 by concatenation. Across multiple rounds, add scores; lower wins. Equal scores share a rank.
Settings: number of dice
Three options: always two dice; choose one or two once all tiles of 7 or higher are closed; or use one die when the remaining sum is 6 or less. Choose before rolling when allowed. With tiles 1–12, tiles 10–12 must also be closed before choosing.
Settings: tiles and ending
Change the tile range, maximum tiles closed per roll, scoring method and round count. Instant shut wins end the match immediately. Otherwise everyone takes their attempts. Instant wins and multiple rounds cannot be combined.
Included and excluded variants
Normal play uses 2–4 players taking turns. When everyone gets an attempt, shutting the box first does not necessarily secure a sole win. Practice supports both 1–9 and 1–12 tiles; its selected settings may differ from your normal match.
Glossary
Open tile: a number still available. Close: mark selected numbers as used for this attempt. Shut the box: close every tile. Round: one attempt by each seat.
FAQ
Q. Can I close any number of tiles with the right total? A. Only open tiles, within the configured tile limit. Q. Is a higher penalty better? A. No. Lower is better; closing all tiles scores zero.
Saving and suspending
Actions are saved before appearing on screen. Retry if saving fails. Opening the rules during a match pauses the CPU; closing them resumes it. Practice saves are separate from normal matches and statistics.
Example & practice
Total 8. Close 8, or 3 and 5?
If the tiles are open, choose 8, 1+7, 2+6, 3+5, or another valid combination. Closed tiles cannot be reused. Respect any limit on the number of tiles closed. Think about which remaining tiles may work on later rolls.
What is the penalty with 1, 3 and 9 left?
Sum scoring gives 13; concatenation gives 139. Lower penalties are better in both modes. Closing every tile gives zero.
Try it on a real board.
Tutorial progress is saved separately from matches and statistics. Learn the basics before playing the CPU.
Explore this game on the App Store →
See release information →