Shut the Box on Arcadia
Shut the Box is a timeless dice game of strategy and luck. Traditionally played in pubs with a wooden box and numbered tiles, it is now available for you to play for free on Arcadia. Your goal is simple: shut as many tiles as possible based on your dice rolls.
How to Play
- Roll the Dice: Start each turn by rolling two dice.
- Shut Tiles: Select any combination of open tiles that adds up to your dice total. For example, if you roll a 9, you can shut 9, 4+5, 1+3+5, etc.
- Single Die Rule: Once all tiles valued 7–12 are shut, you only roll a single die.
- End of Game: The game ends when you cannot make a valid combination from your roll.
- Scoring: Your score is the sum of the remaining open tiles. A score of 0 is a "Perfect Game" (Shut the Box)!
Rules
Missing content for rules.
Winning Strategy
- High Tiles First: Try to shut the highest numbers (12, 11, 10, 9) early on while you are still rolling two dice.
- Keep Options Open: Prefer combinations that leave you with a versatile set of open numbers.
- Probability: Remember that a 7 is the most likely sum of two dice, while 2 and 12 are the least likely.
Tips
Strong play usually comes from tempo, risk control, and converting small advantages.
- Play lines that keep your options open.
- Protect key assets and avoid overextending.
- Force your opponent into predictable responses.
FAQ
What is a perfect game in Shut the Box?
A perfect game is when you successfully shut all 12 tiles, resulting in a score of zero.
When do I switch to one die?
In this 12-tile version, you switch to rolling one die when all tiles from 7 to 12 have been shut.
Is Shut the Box purely luck?
While dice rolls involve luck, the strategy lies in choosing which combination of tiles to shut, especially in the early game.
Ready to play Shut the Box?
Launch the free demo, learn the flow, and practice tactics before higher stakes.
