Shut the Box

The box has tiles numbered 1 through 9 (or 1-12 in some versions), all standing up. Use two standard dice. Can be played solo, or players take turns trying to beat each other's scores.

Shutting the box (score of 0) is the ultimate win. Otherwise, lowest total of remaining tiles wins. Typical winning scores are in single digits.

Roll both dice and add the total. Flip down any combination of standing tiles that sums to your dice total. For example, rolling 8 could flip down: 8, or 7+1, or 6+2, or 5+3, or 5+2+1, or 4+3+1, etc.

Flip the 9 as soon as possible - it's the hardest number to use. Prefer flipping larger numbers when you have choices. Once 7-8-9 are down, switch to one die if allowed - you'll miss the mark less often.

Shut the Box has been played in England and France for centuries, particularly in pubs. Its origins may trace to 12th century Norman seafarers. Various regional rules and scoring systems exist.