Shut the Box: Rules and How to Play
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.
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 and scoring
- 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.
Defaults on this site
| Item | Default on this site |
|---|---|
| Players | 2–4 players (set automatically by the party size) |
| Turn time limit | None by default (the host can set 30 or 60 seconds) |
| If someone drops mid-game | Reopening on the same device returns you to your seat. If you do not return, the CPU plays in your place. |
| Draws | In ranked play, a draw counts as halfway between a win and a loss for your rating. |
| Source of the rules | Based on the standard reference rules |
Rules supervised by Qdan, Inc. (based on the standard reference rules)
House rules
Defaults follow the standard reference rules. The party can change these.
| 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 |
Terms
- Tile
- One of the numbered pieces from 1 to 9. A closed tile cannot be used again that round.
- Roll total
- The dice added together. Tiles you close must match it exactly.
- Possible close
- A set of open tiles adding up to the roll. With none available, the round ends.
- Shut the box
- Closing all nine tiles. By default it wins the game on the spot.
- Single die
- Rolling one die instead of two once the high tiles are closed.
FAQ
What if I select the wrong tile?
Tap a selected tile again to unselect it. Close selected tiles confirms your choice.
What if nothing can be closed?
Your round ends there and the open tiles become your score.
What happens if I close every tile?
You shut the box and win immediately. Turning the setting off scores it as 0 and lets the others play on.
What if totals are equal?
The game is a draw.
Play now with these rules
Last updated 2026-09-21 · Run by Qdan, Inc.