One More Roll? How to Play Shut the Box

Some games need a cleared calendar. Shut the Box needs much less: two dice, nine numbers, and a little willingness to see what happens.

It is a lovely bridge between rolling for luck and making a thoughtful choice. Here is a friendly nine-number version to try.

Set out the numbers

Start with every number from 1 to 9 open. A wooden board uses movable tiles, but you can write the numbers on paper and cross them out instead.

Take turns. Each player begins with a fresh set of open numbers.

Roll, choose, and close

Roll two six-sided dice and add them. Close any combination of still-open numbers that equals that total.

For a total of 8, you could close 8 alone, 6 and 2, or 5 and 3—provided those numbers are available. You must use each number at most once, and closed numbers stay closed for the rest of your turn.

Roll again and keep going. While 7, 8, or 9 remains open, use both dice. Once all three are closed, choose one or two dice before each roll.

Your turn ends when no available combination matches your roll.

Count what remains

Add the numbers still open. That is your score, and lower is better. For example, leaving 2 and 5 open gives you 7 points.

For this house version, everyone gets a turn; the lowest score wins. Closing everything scores zero. Settle a tie with another round between the tied players.

The interesting part is the choice

Closing the biggest number is not your only option. Before choosing, look at which combinations you will leave available for later rolls.

Try playing solo, too: can you beat your previous score?

We are interested in wooden games like this because the object and the action belong together. But you do not need to wait for a beautiful board. Two dice and a pencil can start the fun tonight.