Shut the Box
Shut the Box is a 10-minute dice game for 2 to 4 players. Close tiles that match your roll; shutting them all wins at once, otherwise the lowest total wins. Free in your browser, no sign-up.
Shut the Box in 30 seconds
- Set upEvery tile from 1 to 9 starts open. Decide the playing order.
- Take turnsRoll two dice and close open tiles that total exactly the roll. When the selected rule allows it, you may choose one die.
- Round endWhen no combination is possible, that player's round is over.
- WinShutting all nine tiles wins at once. Otherwise the lowest total of open tiles wins.
At a glance
| Item | This game |
|---|---|
| Players | 2–4 players |
| Play time | About 10 min |
| Type | Board |
| Ranked play | No |
| Practice against the CPU | Yes |
| Price | Free (no account needed) |
| Rights holder | A public-domain classic game |
| Last updated | 2026-09-21 |
How to play Shut the Box online with friends
- Tap "Play with friends"A party is created with a 6-character code. No account is needed.
- Send a link or QR codeShare it on LINE, or just read the code aloud.
- Everyone opens it in a browserOnce 2–4 players have joined, the host taps "Start".
Rule highlights
Setup, play, winning, and house rules
Setup
- 2 to 4 players. On your own, play against the computer.
- All tiles from 1 to 9 start open. You roll two six-sided dice.
- Choose 1, 3 or 5 rounds. The default is a single round.
How to play
- On your turn, roll the dice and close one or more open tiles that add up to exactly the roll total.
- The first tap selects a tile; tap it again to unselect. Press Close selected tiles to confirm.
- If no combination is possible, your round ends and the tiles still open become your score.
- Once 7, 8 and 9 are all closed you may roll a single die instead. The condition can be changed in the settings.
Winning
- Closing all nine tiles shuts the box and wins the game immediately; the other players do not take their round.
- If nobody shuts the box, the player with the lowest total once every round is done wins.
- Equal totals are a draw, and a player may resign. A setting turns shutting into a score of 0 that lets play continue instead.
House rules
| Name | Description | Default | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-die ruleSingle-die ruleTwo dice total 2–12, but one die gives 1–6, so it is easier to close the low tiles left at the end. The looser the condition, the easier it is to shut the box; “Always two dice” is the hardest (a lone 1 can never be closed). Rolling one die is only an option; you may still roll two. | When a player may roll only one die. | After 7, 8 and 9 close | Can be changed |
| Shutting the box wins | Closing all nine tiles wins immediately. Turn it off to score it as 0 and let the other players continue. | On | Can be changed |
| Rounds | How many rounds each player takes. Scores are added up. | 1 round | Can be changed |
| Swap first player on rematch | Play again moves the first turn to the next player. | On | Can be changed |
Recommendations
Play this game once to write one.
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FAQ
How many can play?
2 to 4 players. On your own, play against the computer.
Can I change the number of rounds?
Yes: 1, 3 or 5. The default is a single round.
Where did the artwork come from?
The tiles were drawn for this site, and the dice are the shared set used across every game here.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes. No app is needed — just open it in a browser. You can join the same party as people on a PC or tablet.
Can two people play?
Yes. This game supports 2 or more players.
Rights holder and physical edition
This is a public-domain classic game. The rules follow the standard reference rules.
Related games
Same type (Board)
Same player count
Last updated 2026-09-21 · Run by Qdan, Inc.