What is One die by choice?
In the standard game here, the switch to one die is automatic: as soon as the 7, 8 and 9 are all shut, you roll a single die until your turn ends. With the one-die choice switched on, the switch becomes your decision. Once the 7 and up are shut, you choose before each roll whether to throw one die or two.
The choice is about which totals you can still use. One die gives a 1 to 6 with equal chances, which suits a box with only low tiles left, such as the 1 and the 2. Two dice can make anything from 2 to 12 and make 7 the most likely total, which suits a box where several middle tiles are still up, such as the 3, 4 and 5. While any tile from 7 up is open you always roll two dice. On a box of ten or twelve tiles, every tile from 7 to the top has to be shut first.
Rule changes
| Rule | Standard Shut the Box | One die by choice |
|---|---|---|
| When one die is allowed | Standard Shut the BoxOnce 7, 8 and 9 are all shut. | One die by choiceThe same: once 7, 8 and 9 are all shut, or every tile from 7 up on a bigger box. |
| How many dice | Standard Shut the BoxOne die, every roll, without a choice. | One die by choiceYour choice before each roll: one die or two. |
| While a high tile is open | Standard Shut the BoxTwo dice. | One die by choiceTwo dice. |
| Other options | Standard Shut the BoxTen or twelve tiles, digital scoring and shut to win can be chosen. | One die by choiceThe choice works with all of them. |
History
Rolling a single die once the high tiles are shut is a common refinement of Shut the Box. It is close to universal: once the 7, 8 and 9 are shut, you may roll a single die. Some rule sheets make it compulsory, saying that from then on players roll only one die, while others leave the choice to the player: roll one die or the standard two.
This site's standard game uses the compulsory form, and this option gives you the choice.