Choose a subset of open numbers whose sum matches the dice, then close those numbers.
Players
1–6
Plan for
10–18 minutes
Bring
Two dice, pencil and one 1–9 number strip per attempt
Start with 1 through 9 open
Use two ordinary dice and a fresh number strip for each attempt. All nine numbers begin open. A player takes one complete attempt, then the next player starts with a fresh strip. One to six people can play; solo players compare two attempts without claiming a tested difficulty level. Keep a record of rolls and chosen subsets.
Close an exact sum
Roll both dice on every turn, including when few numbers remain. Close one or more different currently open numbers whose sum equals the two dice combined. You may choose among valid subsets. Closed numbers stay closed and may not be reopened or used twice. There is no subtraction, multiplication or concatenation of digits. A blank subset is never legal.
A worked choice
Roll 8 with all numbers open. You may close 8 alone,3+5 or 1+2+5, among other valid choices. If 3 and 5 were closed already, that pair is unavailable. After closing 1 and 7, a later roll 8 cannot reuse them. The best-looking large closure is not guaranteed to help a later random roll.
End an attempt
If no open subset matches a roll, stop and add the values still open; a lower remaining sum is better. Closing all nine gives 0 and ends immediately. To keep participation equal, use two attempts per player and compare the sum of both remaining totals, with ties shared. Do not add a one-die rule halfway through the session.
Check without a machine
Before declaring no move, inspect singles, then pairs and larger subsets together. The host may help add without choosing for the player. The kit has no automatic solver. Print an extra strip rather than erasing closed numbers ambiguously, and allow a helper to cross out the player’s selected numbers. No points have monetary value.
Printable materials
Preview at 100% scale, with browser headers and footers off. Cut with suitable help. Keep host keys separate. This is a manual tabletop kit, not an online opponent, automatic judge or solver.
Two fresh number strips
Roll two dice each turn. Cross out distinct open numbers adding to the roll. No exact subset: stop.
123456789
Attempt ___ Remaining sum ___
123456789
Attempt ___ Remaining sum ___
Roll total
Numbers closed
Checked sum
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Player totals
Player
Attempt1 remainder
Attempt2 remainder
Combined
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Lower combined remainder wins. Ties share. All numbers closed scores 0.
