Shut the Box

(Public Domain), (Self-Published), (Unknown) · Board game · 1750
2–4 · best 2 30 min Weight 1.1/5
6.8 rating Ludopedia
5.2 rating BGG
Buy
6.8 rating Ludopedia
5.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A tavern classic that proves you don't need complex rules to have pure fun.

Highlights
  • Extremely fast and dynamic
  • Easy for anyone to learn
  • Perfect for parties and pubs
  • Quick and fun math
Keep in mind
  • Heavy reliance on luck
  • Low strategic depth
RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
You know those pub games that everyone seems to know but nobody can quite place the origin of? Well, Shut the Box is exactly that—an absolute classic! With roots tracing back to European sailors and tavern bets, this game is the definition of 'simple yet addictive.' The goal is straightforward: you have a box with numbered levers, and your challenge is to knock down as many as possible using the luck of the dice.

The gameplay is a mix of quick mental math and risk management. You roll two dice and decide your fate: you can use the sum of both to knock down a single higher-numbered lever, or use the individual value of each die to knock down two smaller levers. The real thrill comes when you manage to 'shut the box,' knocking down every single number in one go and securing an epic win!

There are various ways to play, ranging from the traditional gambling style to point-accumulation versions where the goal is to reach a certain score before going bust. It's the perfect game for those who want something that doesn't require a 40-page manual but keeps everyone on the edge of their seats, calculating whether to take a big risk or play it safe. If you enjoy fast-paced games that can be played anywhere and involve that nervous excitement of a rolling die, Shut the Box is your new tabletop companion.
Other Games You'll Like
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Mechanics

Categories

Families

Books: James Bond Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Traditional Games: Shut the Box
Publisher (Public Domain), (Self-Published), (Unknown), alfaset, Amerous, Are-Jay Game Company, Autruche, Bartl, The Bombay Company, Brio AB, Cardinal, Carrom Company, CHH Games, Creative Crafthouse, Crisloid, DBC Company, Dilemma Games, Dynamic Games / Dynamic Design Industries, Fair Trade, Fame Products, Feldheim, Front Porch Classics, Fundex, Galleryplay, Gibsons, Go! Games, Goki, Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, H&H Games, Hasbro, HearthSong, Ideal, IKEA, Invicta Games, Jersey Wood Enterprises Ltd., Joen, John Jaques of London, John N. Hansen Co., Inc., Kuemmerling, Longfield Games, Mag-Nif, Inc., Mainstreet Classic, Marx Toys, MB Spellen, MB Spiele, Melissa & Doug, Milton Bradley, Mischief, Inc., Monkey Pod Games, MP Juegos, Mr. Man, National Geographic Society, Noris Spiele, Pacific Game Company, Philos, Piatnik, Pin International, Pintoy, Planet Finska, Queensell, Sala, Sala Games, Schmidt Spiele, Schylling, Selchow & Righter, Simba Toys, Skor-Mor, Smiggle, Spear's Games, Square Root Games, Sterling Games, Tobar Ltd, Toyrific, Toys Pure, Toysmith, Troika, University Games, Vic-Toy, Week End Games, Wm F. Drueke & Sons, Inc., Wood Expressions, Woodrich & Wells, Woodstock Spiele, WorldWise Imports, LLC, Yaofish Games
Designer (Uncredited)
Artist (Uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game last?
Super fast! A round takes just a few minutes, making it perfect for quick sessions.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all. You'll grasp the logic of adding dice and flipping levers in just two minutes.
How many players can play?
It works well with 2-4 players, but is great for larger groups playing in turns.
Does it require much strategy?
There is strategy in deciding which numbers to flip, but the dice luck ultimately decides everything.
What age group is it for?
Since it involves basic math, it's great for older kids and adults; fun for the whole family!