Shut the Box! – Modular 3D Printable Pub Game

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Shut the Box – Modular 3D Printable Pub Game

Bring the charm of a classic pub game to your tabletop with this 3D printable Shut the Box! Designed with both function and flexibility in mind, this version features a stacked segment design that eliminates large flat surfaces (reducing the risk of warping) and makes it perfect for smaller print beds.

Customize the gameplay to your liking—print as many or as few number segments as you want. Whether you're keeping it simple with numbers 1–6 for a single D6 game, or challenging your friends with the full 1–12 setup, the modular design scales with you.

Features:

Modular stacked segments – Print only the numbers you want, ideal for varying difficulty or smaller printers.

Friction-fit peg-and-hole connections – No glue required, but a dab of super glue can provide extra hold for looser tolerances.

Debossed numbers – No need for multi-color printing or painting.

3D printed conical axles – Ensures smooth, concentric rotation of flip tiles without needing any hardware.

No additional hardware required – Just print, assemble, and play right off the bed.

Whether you're a fan of classic tabletop games or just looking for a fun, functional print, this version of Shut the Box is a satisfying project and a great conversation piece!

📦 Parts List

Choose your game length based on difficulty or available print time. Below are the required parts for each configuration:

Standard Game (1–9)

• 1× Left End
• 1× Right End
• 7× Middle Sections
• 8× Spacers
• 8× Conical Axles
• 1× Each Number Tile (1 through 9)

More Challenging (1–10) (Shown)

• 1× Left End
• 1× Right End
• 8× Middle Sections
• 9× Spacers
• 9× Conical Axles
• 1× Each Number Tile (1 through 10)

Most Challenging (1–12)

• 1× Left End
• 1× Right End
• 10× Middle Sections
• 11× Spacers
• 11× Conical Axles
• 1× Each Number Tile (1 through 12)

Quick Game – Single Die (1–6)

• 1× Left End
• 1× Right End
• 4× Middle Sections
• 5× Spacers
• 5× Conical Axles
• 1× Each Number Tile (1 through 6)

🛠 Assembly Instructions

• NOTE: Be sure to orient number tiles correctly when inserting onto axles.

1. Begin with the left end piece
Lay it on its side, then place the number 1 tile onto the embedded axle, aligning the recess in the tile with the axle so it sits cleanly in place.

2. Add a spacer
Align the spacer's through-holes with the pegs on the left end piece. Gently press the spacer down over each peg until fully seated.

3. Insert a conical axle
Slide a conical axle through the hole in the spacer, aligning the flat sides. Gently seat the axle into the recess of the number 1 tile—no force needed, it just rests in place.

4. Add the number 2 tile
Slide the number 2 tile onto the axle.

5. Attach a middle segment
Align the holes on the middle segment with the exposed pegs from the spacer, and press it firmly against the spacer until flush.

6. Repeat steps 2 through 5
Continue adding spacers, middle segments, axles, and number tiles in order until your final tile is placed.

7. Finish with the right end piece
Align its holes with the pegs on the last middle segment, and press it firmly into place to complete the assembly.

✨ Optional Finishing Touches

Want to level up the look and feel of your game? Here are a few easy ways to enhance your build:

Quieter Rolls
Line the inside rolling surface with felt or foam to dampen dice noise.

Use adhesive-backed felt or foam for quick installation.

Using plain material? Cut to size and attach with a light coat of super glue or spray adhesive.

Non-Slip Base
Keep the game steady on smooth surfaces by adding rubber to the bottom.

Use adhesive-backed rubber sheets or rubber feet for a quick, secure grip.

If your material isn’t self-adhesive, simply glue it in place using super glue or a suitable contact adhesive.

These finishing touches are totally optional, but they add a polished, professional feel—perfect if you’re gifting or displaying your game!

🔧 Troubleshooting & Tolerance Tips

Loose Fits?
If parts feel too loose or wobbly (especially the spacers or end pieces), a small dab of super glue on the pegs can help lock things in place. Apply sparingly—you want it to hold, not flood the joints.

Tight Fits?
If pegs or axles are too snug, lightly sand the peg ends or inside of the holes with fine-grit sandpaper or a needle file. You can also try slightly reducing your flow rate or printing at a slightly cooler temperature on your next print.

Axle Slop?
The conical axles are designed to rest freely and ensure smooth tile movement. A little play is normal and intentional. If there's too much wobble, check for stringing or blobs inside the tile recess and clean as needed.

Warping Prevention
Because of the stacked design, warping should be minimal, but if you're printing on a glass bed or in a cold room, try using a brim or increasing bed temp slightly for better adhesion.

Tile Not Flipping Smoothly?
Make sure the conical axles are seated properly and that no filament strands or elephants foot are interfering with the rotation. A quick cleanup with a craft knife can make a big difference.

Print Settings:

• Layer Height: 0.15mm (0.2mm should also work)
• Supports: None
• Infill: 15%
• Material: PLA, PETG, or your preferred filament
• Bed Adhesion: Clean your print bed with moisturizer-free dish detergent (Dawn Platinum), and thoroughly dry before printing. A clean, level bed should not need a brim.

For best results, ensure proper bed leveling and cooling settings to maintain dimensional accuracy for the friction fit.

🎲 Game Rules – Shut the Box!

Goal:
Flip down all the numbered tiles by rolling dice and selecting combinations that match your roll. The fewer numbers left standing, the better your score!

Setup

• Start with all number tiles standing upright.
• Use 2 standard six-sided dice (2d6) for most versions.
• Use 1 die (1d6) for the quick 1–6 version.

▶ How to Play

1. Roll the Dice - Roll 2d6 (or 1d6 in the quick game).
2. Flip Tiles - Choose any combination of available tiles that add up to the total rolled.
3. Tiles must be flipped down once used and can’t be reused.

Example: Roll of 8 (2d6)

You can flip any of the following combinations that total 8 (as long as all chosen tiles are still upright):

• 8
• 7 + 1
• 6 + 2
• 5 + 3
• 5 + 2 + 1
• 4 + 3 + 1

🏁 End of Turn / Game

• Your turn ends when you roll a number that cannot be matched using any combination of remaining tiles.
• Add up the values of all unflipped tiles—this is your score.
• Lowest score wins. Flipping every tile is called a “Shut the Box” and scores a perfect 0!

👥 Multiplayer Mode

• Take turns rolling and playing one round each.
• Each player records their score.
• Play a set number of rounds (e.g. 3 or 5), or go until someone gets a Shut the Box!

🏡 House Rules (Optional)

For a more strategic and challenging game, try these house rules:

2d6 Until 6 or Below
You must roll 2 dice as long as any tiles above 6 (e.g., 7, 8, 9, etc.) remain standing.
Once all tiles above 6 are flipped, you may choose to roll either 1 or 2 dice.

Optional Second Die
If you roll 1d6 and find no valid tile combinations, you may elect to roll your second die and combine the result.

Bonus Roll on Doubles
If you roll doubles and cannot make a valid tile selection, you get one bonus reroll.
Example: You have 5 and 7 remaining and roll double 2s—you can roll again for another chance.