Best Shut The Box Board Games (Reviewed)
Pro Pick
WE Games Wooden Shut The Box Game
Best Overall
AMEROUS Shut The Box Dice Game
Best Inexpensive
GlobalDream Shut The Box Game
Last Updated: 8th Mar, 2023
Shut The Box is a board game that goes back hundreds of years and is still popular today. It's a fun game of dice where players are tasked with shutting all the tiles on their box, by rolling dice and shutting the corresponding tiles. For example, if they roll an 8, they can shut the tile numbered 8, or they can shut any combination of tiles that add up to 8, such as 7+1, 6+2, etc.
The game also goes by different names like Close the Box, number flip game, or Shut the door, but they all mean the same.
It's a game that requires players to be able to think strategically and work out which tiles can be shut. It's excellent for children as they will learn addition as they play. What's even better about it is that adults will enjoy it too. The gameplay is fun and very interesting, making it an excellent choice for family game nights. Moreover, the rules are pretty simple, straightforward, and easy to grab.
If you want to pick up the best quality Shut The Box game for your household, check out this list. Whether you're looking for 2-player or 4-player shut the box game or something under a budget, we have you covered.
Top Picks for the Shut The Box Game Sets
- WE Games Wooden Shut The Box Game- Pro Pick
- AMEROUS 1-4 Players Shut The Box Dice Game - Best Overall
- GlobalDream Shut The Box Game - Budget Pick
- WE Games Shut The Box Set - Best travel-friendly set
- Bits And Pieces – Wooden Shut The Box 12 Dice Game Board - Bargain Pick
1. WE Games Wooden Shut The Box Game – Pro Pick
Looking for a shut the box board game which plays not only excellent but also looks exquisite? This is the version of Shut The Box that you need to buy. It's a beautiful coffee table version that looks great whether it's in play or not. Why not leave it on the table when you're not playing?
You'll also see that this version has numbered tiles that go up to 10, rather than the regular 9. That gives you more options when it comes to adding up your dice. Plus, it helps further with addition as young children will know up to 10.
This game supports up to 4 players, although you could quite happily play on your own, if you so chose to. Each player gets their own set of dice to use, with a corner of the board dedicated to holding each pair. The middle of the board is lined with felt to ensure scratch free rolls.
Thanks to the high-quality wood design, this board is designed to be played for years to come. The stain used on the wood makes it highly attractive, so it will fit in wherever you use it. It's one of the best looking boards out there right now.
Top Features:
- Measures 13.5 x 13.5 x 2 inches
- High-quality wooden construction
- Different colored dice for each player
- 10 tiles for each player
- Designed for both kids and adults
Final Note:
Everyone will love playing Shut The Box with this board. Its high-quality build, and attractive design will help keep everyone amused and help kids with math at the same time.
2. AMEROUS 1-4 Players Shut The Box Dice Game – Best Overall
This board offers so much to anyone who wants to enjoy a game of Shut The Box with their family or friends, without the high price tag. The whole board is made beautifully with natural hardwood. This wood is selected to stand up to extended play, and look good while you do so. Each tile feels smooth and is fun to play with. The board is finished off with green felt, giving it a pop of color and stopping your dice from getting scratched as you roll them.
Speaking of the dice, there are two dice for up to four players, the maximum the board allows. There's also a spare pair of dice, so you don't have to worry if some get lost over time. You'll still have a set that matches all the others. They're also made of natural wood, so they blend right in with the board.
All number tiles have been printed clearly, so they can all be easily seen no matter who is playing. There are 10 tiles for each player, allowing for more combinations. You can even create your own custom rules with this board if you so wish.
Top Features:
- Measures 8.6 x 8.6 x 1.37 inches
- Very inexpensive but gives you everything you need
- Extra dice set in case some get lost
- Hosts up to four players
- Clear and legible numbering
Final note:
This is a great shut the box dice game set, whether you're buying it for your kids or to enjoy as adults. It gives you everything you need to play and looks great too.
3. GlobalDream Shut The Box Game – Budget Pick
If you're buying a Shut The Box game for your kids, you don't want to spend a lot of cash on it. After all, you don't know if the kids will like it, and you don't want to be out of pocket if it gets broken. If this sounds like you, this is the game board that you should be buying.
This board looks a little different from other boards as it features just one set of numbered tiles. However, you'll see that you can play with up to four players, just with this one set. Instead of having your own, you take turns to shut the tiles on the board. The person at the end with the lowest score wins. It adds another layer of challenge to the game. With 12 numbered tiles, there's a lot more strategic thinking needed to win. However, the smaller design makes it best suited for two players.
This is also a great board to buy if you want to try playing the game solo. It's just as much fun on your own, and you can challenge yourself to improve your score each time. It makes an excellent gift as it comes in an attractive cardboard box, so if you know a board game fan, they'll love this.
Top Features:
- Measures 11.8 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches
- Solid wooden construction
- 12 numbered tiles for more challenge
- 2 pairs of dice included with the game
- Makes an excellent gift
Final Note:
This version of Shut The Box is low priced, but that doesn't mean low value. You'll be able to get a lot of fun out of this game, as well as a new twist on the classic strategy.
4. WE Games Shut The Box Set with Lid – Best Travel-Friendly Set
Can you take Shut The Box on the move with you? You can with this set. It contains everything you need to play the game, no matter where you are. The entire game comes in a beautiful old world style box, one that closes with a secure clasp so you can pack it away without worry. The whole set measures 11.75 x 9.25 inches, making it large enough to easily use while being small enough to put in a bag without taking up a lot of room.
The whole set is made out of wood, including the case and the numbered tiles. The tiles go up to 12, giving you the option for more challenging play. It's a great option for kids who are becoming more confident in their addition. The box itself is inlaid with velvet felt for quiet dice rolls, so you'll never disturb others while playing. The set comes complete with two dice and a set of instructions so you can start playing right away.
Top Features:
- Entire set comes in a box that can easily be shut tight and carried with you
- 12 numbered tiles for more challenging play
- Small size makes it easy to take on the move
- Comes complete with instructions for play
- Attractive design
Final Note:
This set is perfect for travel, packing everything into a small, easy to transport box. It's still high quality and well made though, so you'll get many hours of play with it.
5. Bits And Pieces – Wooden Shut The Box 12 Dice Game Board – Bargain Pick
Have you never played Shut The Box before, and want to try it out before committing to a larger or more elaborate board? Maybe again, you want a board for the kids that you can buy without worrying about it being broken or worn out by enthusiastic play. This board gives you everything you need, without the high price tag.
It's another board that comes with 12 tiles instead of the regular 9, so you're getting more play value out of the set right away. You'll also see that this set offers you three different variations on the classic game. Even if you tire of one style of play, you can always change to another for the best value.
The game board is made out of wood, with a green felt rolling area for the dice. It looks great, something that you wouldn't expect for a budget game. It comes complete with two dice, so you're ready to play as soon as you take it out of the box.
Top Features:
- Measures 12.1 x 9.1 x 1.5 inches
- Bargain price with everything you would expect in a Shut The Box game
- Natural wood design
- 12 numbered tiles
- Designed for 2 or more players
Final Note:
It's amazing what you can get for such a low price. If you're a newcomer to Shut The Box, this version has everything you need to pick up the game.
Shut The Box Board Game Buyer's Guide
For such a simple game, there are so many versions of it out there. How do you choose the one that works best for you? You just need to know what you're looking for in a game. Here's what you need to have in mind when you pick out your game.
Key Considerations
<How Many Players>
Firstly, let's think about how many players you'll have with your game. Some versions of the game come with a set of tiles around each side of a board, allowing for up to four players. Others have one set of tiles that are used between all players.
Because these boards are set up differently, the game plays slightly differently. Would you want every player to have their own set of tiles, or do you want to play the game with the one set? This is a personal preference, so one won't be better than the other.
<Build Quality>
It's important to find a version of Shut The Box that's built well, even if you're looking for a bargain board. You want the board to last for a long time, and be able to be moved around if needs be without getting damaged. A Shut The Box game won't have a lot of moving parts, but you do want to ensure that the ones it has will last for a long time.
Take a look at what customer reviews are saying. Many will tell you whether the build quality is up to scratch. Pay close attention to what they're saying, as they will be able to see whether the set you're considering will last the distance.
<Price>
Price is another important point when considering any board game. You don't want to spend a lot of money on a board that costs less and is almost the same. The biggest things that affect the price are the build quality and style. If you're looking for a cheaper board for the kids, then you don't have to worry about the style as much. They'll still get as much enjoyment out of a cheaper set, and they'll still learn addition as they do so.
If you want a more attractive board though, you will need to budget more for it. Many feel this is worth it, as they can get a board that will last longer, and will look amazing on their coffee table.
Let's Wrap Things Up
Shut The Box is an amazing game that you can play with your kids or with your friends. It's so simple but offers hours of entertainment. Use this guide to pick out the right one for you. Whether you want a version to teach addition to your kids, or a version to add décor as well as fun to your home, you'll find it here.
We sincerely hope you were able to buy the game, meeting your requirements and budget. If you have any queries or questions, please feel free to comment below.
Here, are some other board games worth considering:
