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Snakes and Ladders
Climb the ladders, dodge the snakes, race to 100
Shut the Box
Roll the dice and close every number
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About Shut the Box
An old pub and sailors' game, and a lovely way to practise adding. Roll two dice, then shut any numbers that add up to the total — one number, or two, or three. Keep rolling until every number is shut, or until nothing adds up any more. The dice are luck, but which numbers you shut is a real choice, and it's the choice that decides whether you win.
Shut the Box is one of our free numbers & maths games for kids — play it right here in your browser, or browse all our free online games.
How to Play
- Tap Roll to throw the two dice.
- Tap numbers that add up to the dice total.
- Tap ‘Shut them’ to close those numbers.
- Keep going until every number is shut.
Tips & Tricks
- Shut the big numbers early — they're the hardest to make later.
- A total of 7 can be 7, or 3+4, or 1+2+4 — pick the one that helps most.
- Your score is what's left, so lower is better.
What Kids Learn
Shut the Box is more than fun — it helps build real skills:
- Adding to a target in several ways
- Making choices under chance
- Number bonds up to 12
Shut the Box — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shut the Box free to play?
Yes — Shut the Box is completely free to play here in your browser. There's no sign-up, no download and nothing to buy.
How do you play Shut the Box?
Tap Roll, then tap numbers, then tap Shut them. Tap Roll to throw the two dice.
Do I need to download anything to play Shut the Box online?
No. Shut the Box runs in any web browser on a phone, tablet or computer — just open the page and play. Nothing installs.
What age is Shut the Box for?
Shut the Box is made for ages 6 to 12. It helps children practise adding to a target in several ways and making choices under chance while they play.
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