Looking for a fun way to sharpen math skills and bond with family?
I recently tried out the Clapjoy Shut The Box dice game, and it’s become a hit in my household.
This wooden game board measures 12 x 12 inches and comes with two dice, an instruction manual, and a reusable scorecard. I found it easy to learn but challenging to master.
It’s great for 2-4 players ages 6 and up. The solid pinewood construction feels durable, and the green felt bottom adds a nice touch.
I like how this game blends luck and strategy. Players take turns rolling dice and flipping down numbered tiles that add up to their roll.
It’s a race to be the first to close all your numbers. We’ve had fun coming up with our own rule variations too.
While the game is enjoyable, I noticed a few minor issues. The MDF backing isn’t as nice as the front, and some edges could use better finishing. The felt paper also seems a bit loose in spots.
Still, for the price, it offers good value as both a math learning tool and family entertainment.
Bottom Line
The Clapjoy Shut The Box game provides engaging fun while boosting basic math skills. Despite small flaws, it’s worth trying for family game nights or classroom use.
Get your Clapjoy Shut The Box game today and start the fun!
Clapjoy Shut The Box Dice Game Overview
I recently tried out the Clapjoy Shut The Box game and found it to be a fun, educational choice for family game night.
This wooden board game comes with 2 dice and a reusable scorecard. It’s big enough for easy play, measuring 12 x 12 x 2 inches.
The game is simple to learn but offers a good challenge. Players roll dice and flip down numbered tiles that match their roll.
It’s a race to be the first to shut all your numbers. I liked how it helps kids practice basic math skills without feeling like a lesson.
The solid pinewood construction feels sturdy and looks nice. One thing I appreciated was the soft felt bottom, which keeps it from scratching tables.
While it’s marketed for 2-4 players, I found it works well for solo play too.
Engaging Educational Tool
The Shut The Box game offers a fun way to practice math skills while having a blast. I found it to be an excellent tool for helping kids learn basic addition in an engaging, hands-on way.
The wooden board and number tiles give it a classic feel that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Learn Math with Fun
I was impressed by how effectively this game reinforces math concepts. As players roll the dice and shut down number tiles, they’re constantly doing mental addition.
It’s sneaky learning – kids don’t even realize they’re practicing math as they try to win. The reusable scorecard is handy for tracking multiple games.
I noticed my own mental math getting quicker the more I played. For younger kids, it’s great counting practice too.
The game scales well for different ages and skill levels by adjusting the rules. I like that it blends luck and strategy, keeping things exciting while still being educational.
Enhancing Social Skills Through Play
Playing games can be a great way to build friendships and social skills. I found that Clapjoy’s Shut The Box game brings people together in a fun, engaging way.
As players take turns rolling dice and flipping number tiles, there’s plenty of opportunity for casual conversation and friendly competition.
The simple rules make it easy for anyone to join in, even if they’re meeting new people.
Traditional Pub Game Roots
This classic game has an interesting history. I learned it originated in English pubs, where it was a popular pastime. Now it’s enjoyed worldwide as both entertainment and a math learning tool.
The wooden board gives it an authentic, traditional feel that adds to the social experience.
When I played with friends, we found ourselves chatting and laughing between turns, just like you might imagine happening in an old pub setting.
It’s a nice way to create a relaxed, social atmosphere whether you’re playing at home or bringing it to a gathering.
Customizable Gameplay Experience
I found the Shut The Box game offers a lot of flexibility in how you play. The basic rules are easy to grasp, but there’s room to mix things up.
Make Your Own Rules
I liked that I could tweak the game to keep it fresh. While the standard rules work well, I tried out some custom variations.
For example, I changed the winning condition to be the first player to shut specific numbers instead of all of them. This added a new strategic element.
I also experimented with using just one die instead of two for younger players. This made the math simpler for kids who were still learning addition. The reusable scorecard came in handy for keeping track of different rule sets we tried.
The game’s simple design lends itself to creative rule changes. I found this helped keep everyone engaged, from kids to adults. It’s nice to have a game that grows with you and can be adapted based on who’s playing.
Elegant, High-Quality Craftsmanship
I was impressed by the craftsmanship of this game board. It feels solid and well-made when you pick it up. The wooden construction gives it a classic, timeless look that fits nicely on any game shelf or coffee table.
Natural Hardwood Construction
The game is made from smooth, natural pinewood. I ran my hand over the surface and didn’t feel any rough spots or splinters.
The wood has a nice grain pattern that adds visual interest. There’s no chemical smell, which I liked. The green felt on the bottom is a nice touch – it keeps the board from scratching tables and muffles noise when you set it down.
While most of the construction is great, I did notice a few small issues. The back uses a cheaper material that doesn’t match the front. And some of the edges could use a bit more sanding.
But these are minor gripes about an otherwise solid game board that should hold up well to repeated play.
Pros and Cons
I’ve spent some time playing with the Clapjoy Shut The Box game, and I’ve got a good feel for its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break it down:
Pros
- The game is easy to learn and play, making it great for all ages.
- It’s a fun way to practice basic math skills, especially addition.
- The wooden board is sturdy and well-made.
- It’s portable, so you can take it anywhere.
- The game can be played solo or with multiple players.
- The reusable scorecard is a nice touch.
Cons
- The price point might be a bit high for some people.
- Some users reported issues with the felt backing not being glued down properly.
- The game can get repetitive after a while.
- The dice included are basic and not particularly special.
- There’s limited strategy involved, which might not appeal to everyone.
I found the Clapjoy Shut The Box to be a solid choice for family game night or as an educational tool. The wooden construction feels nice and durable, and I like that it’s compact enough to take on trips.
The game itself is straightforward, which is great for kids, but adults might want more of a challenge. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the quality is generally good.
Just keep an eye on that felt backing – you might need to glue it down if it starts to peel.
Customer Reviews
I’ve been playing with this Shut The Box game for a while now, and I’m impressed by what customers are saying.
Many people love how it helps kids learn math in a fun way. The wooden board gets praise for its smooth finish and lightweight design. It’s easy to carry around, which is great for family trips.
Some users find it super addictive and even buy multiple sets as gifts. The game seems to be a hit with families of 3-4 players. Most agree it’s engaging and enjoyable.
Not everyone is completely satisfied, though. A few customers think it’s a bit pricey for what you get. There are some complaints about the build quality, like rough edges and less-than-perfect felt paper application.
Overall, the Clapjoy Shut The Box game has more fans than critics. With a 4.3-star rating from 142 reviews, it seems to be a solid choice for those looking for an educational yet fun family game.
Conclusion
After playing with the Shut The Box game, I’m impressed by its educational value and entertainment factor. It’s a great tool for improving math skills while having fun.
The wooden board is well-made and smooth, making it pleasant to use. I found it easy to carry around, which is a plus for family trips. The included scorecard adds to the replay value.
While some might find the price a bit high, the game’s quality and addictive nature make up for it. It’s not perfect – the back could use better materials and finishing. But overall, I think it’s a solid choice for families looking for an engaging math game that both kids and adults can enjoy together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shut the Box is a fun and engaging game that’s easy to learn but challenging to master. I’ve spent many enjoyable hours playing this classic game with friends and family. Here are some common questions about Clapjoy’s version:
What are the rules for playing Shut the Box?
The basic rules are simple. Players take turns rolling the dice and closing numbered tiles that add up to their roll.
You can close one, two, or three tiles per turn. The goal is to close all your tiles first. If you can’t make a move, your turn ends and you add up the remaining open numbers as your score. Lower scores are better.
Can Shut the Box be played with more than two players?
Yes! While it’s often played one-on-one, Clapjoy’s version works great for up to 4 players.
With more people, games tend to be quicker and more exciting as everyone races to shut their box first. It’s a blast for game nights or family gatherings.
What educational benefits does Shut the Box offer?
I’ve found this game to be an excellent tool for improving math skills, especially for kids. It helps practice:
- Addition
- Mental math
- Strategic thinking
- Probability concepts
Players constantly add numbers and weigh odds, making learning fun and natural.
Is Clapjoy’s version of Shut the Box suitable for all ages?
From my experience, this game is perfect for a wide age range. The box says 5 years and up, which seems right.
Young kids can practice basic addition, while adults will enjoy the strategy and luck elements. It’s simple enough for beginners but still engaging for experienced players.
How do you win in the game of Shut the Box?
Winning is straightforward – be the first to close all your number tiles.
If no one can do this, the player with the lowest score (sum of open tiles) wins. It’s a mix of luck and strategy that keeps things interesting game after game.
What materials are included in the Clapjoy Shut the Box Dice Game set?
The set comes with:
- 1 wooden game board (12″ x 12″ x 2″)
- 2 dice
- 1 instruction manual
- 1 reusable scorecard
The board is solid pinewood with a green felt bottom. It feels sturdy and well-made, perfect for countless games.
The dice and scorecard are basic but functional.
