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https://nrich.maths.org/6074

To play the game, start with the numbers showing on all the cards. The first player rolls the two dice. They can turn over the cards which are the same as the numbers rolled. For example, if a 4 and a 5 is rolled, they would turn over the 4 and 5 cards. If a double is thrown, the player's turn ends. They can roll the dice again until they can't turn over any more cards.

The cards that are left showing are then added and that is their score. The dice are then passed to the next player who turns the cards the right way up again and then rolls the dice in the same way as player one. They now can keep on rolling dice as long as each time they can turn over some new cards. Remember that if a double is thrown, the player's turn ends.

When the player can't turn over any more cards, those that are left are added together and that is the player's score. The winner is the person with the lower score. It can be played with just one turn each or each player can have a number of turns that you decide at the beginning of the game.

• Modes from  Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shut_the_Box
• Golf – A player's score is the sum of the numbers remaining uncovered at the end of his turn. The player with the lowest score wins.
• Missionary – A player's score is the total number (count) of the tiles remaining uncovered at the end of his turn. For example, a player scores 3 if at the end of his turn 3 tiles remain open. The player with the lowest score wins.

• Unlucky number 7 – A standard game, when a 7 is rolled, the game stops.

• 3 down extreme – numbers 1, 2 and 3 are pre dropped, leaving numbers 4 to 9 up.

• Lucky number 7 – The only number up is 7, and the first person to roll a 7 wins.
• Unlucky number 7 – A standard game, when a 7 is rolled, the game stops.
• Against all odds – All odd numbers are up and evens down.
• Even Stevens – All even numbers are up and odds down.

• Thai style (Jackpot) – Always roll two dice, but only cover one tile matching one of the dice or their sum. For example, if the dice show a 2 and a 3 you may cover one of 2, 3, or 5.
• Digital – A player's score at the end of the turn is the number obtained by reading the up digits as a decimal number from left to right. For example, if 1, 2, and 5 are left up the score is 125.
• 2012 – All 12 are up, but use a 20-sided Dungeons and Dragons die rather than the pair of 6 dice: 20-sided die playing 12 numbers – 2012. This may seem a little geeky, but it adds a new level of excitement to a tired game.

Translations

Code	Language		Translator	Run

Credits

Fremont Teng; Loo Kang Wee

This briefing document summarizes the key aspects of the "Shut the Box Game Maths JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5" resource provided by Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore. It covers the game itself, its various modes, and the context within the broader collection of educational tools offered on the platform.

1. Overview of the Shut the Box Game:

The resource focuses on the game of "Shut the Box," which is described as a dice game for one or more players, typically played with two to four people for stakes. The game is also known by several other names, including: "Blitz," "Bakarat," "Canoga," "Klackers," "Batten Down the Hatches," "Kingoball," "Trictrac," "Cut Throat," "Fork Your Neighbor," and "Jackpot."

The core gameplay involves a set of numbered cards (typically 1 to 9) that start in an upright (showing) position. Players take turns rolling two dice and then "turning over" (closing or hiding) any combination of upright cards whose sum equals the number rolled on the dice.

Key Mechanics:

• Starting State: All numbered cards are showing.
• Dice Roll: The player rolls two standard six-sided dice.
• Card Turn Over: The player can choose to turn over any combination of the showing cards that add up to the total of the dice roll. For example, if a player rolls a 9, they could turn over the 9 card, or the 8 and 1 cards, or the 7 and 2 cards, or the 6 and 3 cards, or the 5 and 4 cards, or the 1, 2, and 6 cards, etc.
• Continuing the Turn: As long as the player can turn over cards based on their roll, they can continue to roll the dice.
• Ending the Turn: A player's turn ends when:
• They roll a "double" (both dice show the same number). The source explicitly states: "Remember that if a double is thrown, the player's turn ends."
• They roll a number for which no combination of the remaining upright cards can be turned over.
• Scoring: Once a player's turn ends, the numbers on the cards that are still showing are added together. This sum is the player's score for that turn.
• Winning: The winner is the player with the lowest score after a predetermined number of rounds or a single round. The document notes: "The winner is the person with the lower score."

2. JavaScript Simulation Applet:

The resource highlights a JavaScript simulation applet (likely embedded via an iframe with the source https://iwant2study.org/lookangejss/math/ejss_model_shuttheboxfrem/shuttheboxfrem_Simulation.xhtml) that allows users to play the game online. This emphasizes the platform's commitment to providing interactive and engaging learning tools. The "Embed this model in a webpage" section explicitly offers the iframe code for integration into other online resources.

3. Game Modes:

The resource details several variations or "Game Modes" of Shut the Box, often drawing information from the Wikipedia page for the game:

• Golf: "A player's score is the sum of the numbers remaining uncovered at the end of his turn. The player with the lowest score wins." This is the standard scoring method described earlier.
• Missionary: "A player's score is the total number (count) of the tiles remaining uncovered at the end of his turn. For example, a player scores 3 if at the end of his turn 3 tiles remain open. The player with the lowest score wins." Here, the number of remaining tiles, not their sum, determines the score.
• Unlucky number 7: "A standard game, when a 7 is rolled, the game stops." This mode introduces a rule where rolling a 7 immediately ends the player's turn.
• 3 down extreme: "Numbers 1, 2 and 3 are pre dropped, leaving numbers 4 to 9 up." This variation starts with fewer cards in play.
• Lucky number 7: "The only number up is 7, and the first person to roll a 7 wins." This is a significantly different mode with a focus on rolling a specific number for an immediate win.
• Against all odds: "All odd numbers are up and evens down." This alters the initial set of available numbers.
• Even Stevens: "All even numbers are up and odds down." Similar to "Against all odds," but with even numbers available.
• Thai style (Jackpot): "Always roll two dice, but only cover one tile matching one of the dice or their sum. For example, if the dice show a 2 and a 3 you may cover one of 2, 3, or 5." This mode restricts the number of tiles that can be covered per roll.
• Digital: "A player's score at the end of the turn is the number obtained by reading the up digits as a decimal number from left to right. For example, if 1, 2, and 5 are left up the score is 125." This mode introduces a unique scoring method based on the arrangement of the remaining tiles.
• 2012: "All 12 are up, but use a 20-sided Dungeons and Dragons die rather than the pair of 6 dice: 20-sided die playing 12 numbers – 2012. This may seem a little geeky, but it adds a new level of excitement to a tired game." This mode expands the number range and uses a different type of die.

4. Educational Context and Open Educational Resources:

The resource is presented under the umbrella of "Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore," indicating a commitment to providing free and accessible educational materials. The inclusion of a mathematics game highlights the potential for gamification in learning mathematical concepts such as addition, number combinations, and probability (though not explicitly detailed in this excerpt).

The "For Teachers" section explicitly mentions "Shut the Box Maths JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5," reinforcing its intended use in educational settings. The "Sample Learning Goals" section is present but contains "[text]," suggesting that specific learning objectives are likely detailed elsewhere on the full resource page.

5. Broader Platform Context:

The extensive list of other JavaScript Simulation Applets HTML5 available on the platform reveals a wide range of interactive tools covering various topics in physics and mathematics. These include simulations on mechanics, electromagnetism, waves, optics, calculus, algebra, and even games. This positions the Shut the Box applet within a rich ecosystem of interactive learning resources.

The "Popular Tags" section further illustrates the platform's focus areas, with terms like "Mathematics," "Games," "Numbers and algebra," and various physics concepts appearing.

6. Licensing and Credits:

The content is licensed under a "Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 Singapore License," emphasizing the open nature of the resources. Credits are given to Fremont Teng and Loo Kang Wee for their contributions. Information regarding the commercial use of the EasyJavaScriptSimulations Library is also provided, with a link to the license and contact information.

7. Instructions for Use:

The resource provides clear step-by-step instructions for using the embedded simulation:

• Step 1: Select a mode from the Combo Box: This refers to choosing one of the game variations described earlier.
• Step 2: Roll the Dices: This initiates the gameplay within the selected mode.
• Keep rolling until you receive a gameover: This reiterates the turn structure.
• The instructions also mention that the game ends when both players reach "game end," creating a "new game button" and carrying scores over to the next round, suggesting a multi-player functionality in the simulation.

Conclusion:

The "Shut the Box Game Maths JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5" resource offers an engaging and interactive way to experience the traditional dice game and its various adaptations. Its inclusion within the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore platform highlights the commitment to using games and simulations as tools for learning mathematics and potentially other related concepts. The availability of different game modes provides flexibility for various learning objectives and player preferences. The resource is well-documented with instructions and licensing information, making it readily accessible for educational use and integration into other online platforms.

Shut the Box Game Study Guide

Core Concepts

• Game Objective: Understand the primary goal of Shut the Box, which is to minimize the sum of the uncovered number tiles at the end of a player's turn.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Describe the basic steps of a standard game, including rolling two dice, turning over tiles that match the dice roll or their sum, and the consequence of rolling a double.
• Scoring: Explain how a player's score is determined in the standard version of the game.
• Winning Condition: Define how a winner is determined based on the scores.
• Variations: Recognize that Shut the Box has multiple game modes with different rules and scoring methods.

Quiz

1. Describe the initial setup of a standard game of Shut the Box and explain what a player does on their turn after rolling the dice.
2. What happens to a player's turn if they roll a double on the dice in the standard version of Shut the Box? How does this affect their ability to turn over more tiles in that turn?
3. In the "Golf" mode of Shut the Box, how is a player's score calculated at the end of their turn, and what determines the winner of the game?
4. Explain the scoring system in the "Missionary" mode of Shut the Box. How does it differ from the scoring in the "Golf" mode?
5. How does the "Unlucky number 7" mode alter the standard gameplay of Shut the Box? What is the specific rule that makes it unique?
6. Describe the initial state of the number tiles in the "3 down extreme" variation of Shut the Box. How does this change the possible starting moves for a player?
7. In the "Thai style" or "Jackpot" mode, what are the permitted ways a player can cover tiles after rolling two dice? Provide an example based on a dice roll.
8. How is a player's score calculated in the "Digital" mode of Shut the Box? Give an example of how remaining uncovered tiles translate to a score in this mode.
9. What is the primary difference in the "2012" mode of Shut the Box compared to the standard version, in terms of the number of tiles and the dice used?
10. Besides the standard version, name three other variations of the Shut the Box game mentioned in the source and briefly describe a key rule or scoring aspect of each.

Quiz Answer Key

1. A standard game of Shut the Box begins with number tiles from 1 to 9 (or sometimes 1 to 12) in the "up" or uncovered position. After rolling two dice, the player chooses to turn over any combination of uncovered tiles whose sum is equal to the total of the dice, or individual tiles matching the numbers rolled.
2. If a player rolls a double in the standard version of Shut the Box, their turn immediately ends. They cannot make any further moves to turn over tiles in that turn, and the remaining uncovered tiles will contribute to their score.
3. In the "Golf" mode, a player's score is the sum of the numerical values of the tiles that remain uncovered at the end of their turn. The player with the lowest total score after a predetermined number of rounds wins the game.
4. In the "Missionary" mode, a player's score is the total number (count) of tiles that remain uncovered at the end of their turn. For instance, if tiles 3, 6, and 8 are left up, the score is 3, unlike Golf mode where the score would be 17.
5. The "Unlucky number 7" mode introduces a rule where if a player rolls a sum of 7 on the dice, their turn immediately stops, even if they could have made a valid move to cover tiles.
6. In the "3 down extreme" variation, the number tiles 1, 2, and 3 are already in the "down" or covered position at the start of the game. This leaves only the tiles numbered 4 through 9 available to be turned over by the player.
7. In the "Thai style" or "Jackpot" mode, after rolling two dice, a player can choose to cover only one tile. This tile must match the value of one of the individual dice rolled or the sum of the two dice. For example, if a 2 and a 3 are rolled, the player can cover the 2, the 3, or the 5.
8. In the "Digital" mode, the player's score is determined by reading the values of the remaining uncovered tiles from left to right as if they form a decimal number. For example, if tiles 1, 2, and 5 are left uncovered, the player's score for that turn is 125.
9. The primary difference in the "2012" mode is that it uses twelve number tiles (presumably 1 through 12) and a single 20-sided die instead of two standard six-sided dice.
10. Besides the standard version:

• Against all odds: Only the odd-numbered tiles are initially in the "up" position, while the even-numbered tiles are down.
• Even Stevens: Conversely, only the even-numbered tiles start "up," and the odd-numbered tiles are down.
• Lucky number 7: Only the number 7 tile is in the "up" position, and the first player to roll a 7 wins the game immediately.

Essay Format Questions

1. Compare and contrast the scoring mechanisms of the "Golf" and "Missionary" modes of Shut the Box. How might these different scoring rules influence a player's strategy during the game?
2. Discuss how the variations of Shut the Box, such as "Unlucky number 7," "3 down extreme," and "Thai style," alter the fundamental gameplay and the element of chance involved in the standard version.
3. Analyze the mathematical considerations and potential strategies a player might employ in the standard game of Shut the Box to achieve a low score. Consider the probabilities of dice rolls and the possible combinations of tiles.
4. Evaluate the educational value of playing Shut the Box, particularly in the context of mathematics. How might the game help players develop skills related to number sense, addition, and strategic thinking?
5. Considering the numerous listed variations of Shut the Box, discuss why you think the game has endured and been adapted in so many ways. What makes the core concept of the game so versatile?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Dice Roll: The outcome of throwing one or more dice, typically represented by the numbers that land face up.
• Number Tiles: The numbered pieces (usually 1 through 9, or 1 through 12 in some versions) that are initially in an "up" or uncovered position.
• Turn: A sequence of actions taken by a single player, typically involving rolling the dice and attempting to cover number tiles.
• Double: When both dice rolled show the same number (e.g., two 3s). In standard Shut the Box, rolling a double usually ends a player's turn.
• Covered/Down: The state of a number tile after it has been successfully turned over by a player, indicating it is no longer in play for that turn.
• Uncovered/Up: The initial state of the number tiles at the beginning of a turn, indicating they are available to be covered.
• Score: The total value or count of the number tiles that remain uncovered at the end of a player's turn.
• Game Mode/Variation: Different sets of rules that modify the standard gameplay of Shut the Box, often affecting scoring or the initial setup.
• Sum: The result of adding two or more numbers together, relevant in Shut the Box for covering tiles that equal the total of the dice roll.
• Strategy: A plan or set of tactics employed by a player to improve their chances of winning or achieving a lower score.

Sample Learning Goals

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For Teachers

Shut the Box Maths JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML5

Instructions

Step 1: Select a mode from the Combo Box

Step 2: Roll the Dices

Other Information

Research

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Video

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 Version:

Other Resources

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