Description

This is a paper-and-pencil version of an old game. It is fun for young children and for anyone who enjoys a game of chance combined with the search for strategy. It also offers opportunities to talk about probability and statistics.

To play, write the numbers 1 through 9 in a horizontal row on a piece of paper. Player 1 rolls two dice and calculates the sum of the numbers rolled. The player then chooses to cross out numbers that add up to the same value as the dice roll. If the numbers 7, 8, and 9 are all crossed out, the player may choose to roll one or two dice. If any of these numbers remain uncrossed, the player must use both dice.

Player 1 continues rolling the dice, calculating the sum, and crossing out numbers until they can no longer continue. If they manage to cross out all the numbers, they say "shut the box" and record a score of "0." If they do not manage to cross out all the numbers, they add up the values of the uncrossed numbers, and that will be their score.

Player 2 writes the numbers 1 through 9 and follows the same rules as Player 1. The player with the lowest score wins the game.

Variation

Both players may decide to play 5 rounds, adding their score at the end of each round. The player with the lowest total score at the end of the 5 rounds wins.

Materials Needed

Two dice, paper, and a pencil.

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