History
The origin is not known but there exist references from at least as long ago as the 12th century to the game being played in Normandy (northern France) or the Channel Islands (English Channel, United Kingdom). Others also mention fur trappers from the Hudson's Bay Company. The game grew popular among sailors and fishermen.
Evidence of the game exists in England from the middle of the 20th century, but it is possible that it did not originate there. Timothy Finn writes in Pub Games of England that it came from the Channel Islands in 1958 with a Mr. 'Chalky' Towbridge. It is said that versions have also been played in Barotseland (Zambia, central Africa). The game is also popular in the beer bars of Thailand using special rules.
Shut the Box is also the basis of the popular TV quiz show High Rollers, which ran from 1974–76 and 1978-80 on NBC with Alex Trebek as the host. The show resurfaced from 1987 to 1988, this time hosted by Wink Martindale.
Read more about this topic: Shut The Box
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