Shut the Box

About the game

What is Shut the Box?

In Shut the Box, players match rolls of the dice to numbers on the game. The game 'box' has levers labelled from one to nine or twelve. Initially all the levers are in the 'up' position. The first player rolls two dice. He or she then knocks down the levers as follows: One number which is the combined value of both dice or Two numbers whose total adds up to the combined total of each dice. There are several methods of scoring. In the traditional pub gambling game, you add up all the levers left uncovered. The games pays out after one round (one turn per player who paid into the pool). If you manage to "shut the box" you win instantly and get double the stake from each player. In other scoring methods, you play multiple rounds, with players adding points to their previous score. As players reach forty-five (or other set number) they go 'bust' and must drop out of the game. The game then ends when only one player remains in the game. He or she is the winner. If any player knocks down ALL the levers in his or her turn, and thus 'shuts the box', they are automatically declared the winner!

How it plays

Mechanics

On the shelf

Categories

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

• How do setup and the first turn work in Shut the Box?
• When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
• How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?