What happens if I roll a number that can't match any tiles?

You have to drink an amount equal to the sum of the remaining open tiles. Your turn ends, and the dice pass to the next player.

Can I close just one tile if my roll is higher than any single tile?

Yes, as long as the single tile matches your total roll. For example, if you roll a 10, you could choose to close the 10 tile or a combination like 7 and 3.

What do I do if I shut all the tiles?

If you close all tiles, it's a 'perfect game.' You get to assign 10 drinks to any combination of players, or split them however you want.

How do I win the game?

The player with the lowest total of open tiles at the end of the round wins. If there's a tie, the tied players roll to break it, and the lower roll takes the win.

Shut the Box - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Shut the Box is a drinking game in the Dice Games category for 2-4 players that takes about 15-25 min with a easy difficulty level.

Close box tiles matching dice

Equipment Needed

Shut the box game or numbered tiles
Two dice

Setup

Place the Shut the Box game on a flat surface where everyone can reach it. Ensure all tiles numbered 1 through 9 are flipped up to their open position. Hand the two dice to the first player, and decide the turn order by rolling the dice, with the highest total going first.

How to Play Shut the Box

Tiles numbered 1-9 start open
Roll two dice
Close tiles summing to roll
Can't close = drink open tile total
Close all = perfect game, assign 10
Lowest remaining total wins
Strategy in choices
Classic pub game

Tips & Strategies

Always aim to close higher tiles first when possible, as this minimizes your potential penalty if you can't complete a roll. If you roll a 12, immediately check if 9 and 3 are still open,it's one of the best combinations to close early. Pay attention to tile combinations that match your dice total; sometimes closing a single tile instead of two smaller ones can save options for later rolls. If you're close to shutting the box, slow down and calculate carefully to avoid leaving yourself without plays.

Variations

Reverse Penalty: Instead of drinking the open tile total when you can't make a move, drink the difference between your roll and the sum of the closest tiles you can't close.. Double Trouble: If you roll doubles, you must drink twice the value of one of the dice before making your move.. Team Shut the Box: Players form teams of two, alternating rolls. Both players on a team share the same set of tiles and combine their remaining total at the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I roll a number that can't match any tiles?: You have to drink an amount equal to the sum of the remaining open tiles. Your turn ends, and the dice pass to the next player.
Can I close just one tile if my roll is higher than any single tile?: Yes, as long as the single tile matches your total roll. For example, if you roll a 10, you could choose to close the 10 tile or a combination like 7 and 3.
What do I do if I shut all the tiles?: If you close all tiles, it's a 'perfect game.' You get to assign 10 drinks to any combination of players, or split them however you want.
How do I win the game?: The player with the lowest total of open tiles at the end of the round wins. If there's a tie, the tied players roll to break it, and the lower roll takes the win.

Players: 2-4 | Duration: 15-25 min | Difficulty: easy

Related Drinking Games

Bar Dice — Classic bar dice poker
Midnight — Roll to maximize score with constraints
Pig — Roll for points but 1s wipe your total
Dice Tower — Stack dice without toppling
Zombie Dice — Collect brains but avoid shotgun blasts
Street Craps — Street dice with drink stakes
Dice Elimination — Roll or be eliminated
Dice Dash — Race to roll target numbers

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