Justyne.. this game is an "original precept" game.. that is it's as old as most games that require more than a sharp stick and dirt. there are 12 plates in the side on a line and two dice. The goal of the game is to turn down all the ''tine'' and "shut the box!" (when playing with more than one player - one with less tiles left up is the winner! This is a must for any game player.