Game days in America are more than just about football — they’re about community, excitement, and shared experiences. Whether it’s the NFL playoffs, Super Bowl Sunday, or NCAA championship weekend, millions of fans look for ways to make every play matter even more. One of the most popular traditions that brings fans together is Football Squares — a simple, fun, and suspense-filled game that turns every score into an opportunity to win.
Whether you’re organizing a friendly office pool, a family get-together, or a tailgate challenge, NFL & NCAA Football Squares make game day more engaging for everyone — even for those who don’t follow football closely.
Here’s a full guide to what Football Squares are, how to play, how to set up your own pool, and why this game has become an essential part of football culture across the U.S.
What Are Football Squares?
Football Squares, also known as Super Bowl Squares, is a popular betting-style grid game played during major football events. It’s typically organized using a 10×10 grid, where each of the 100 boxes corresponds to a possible score combination for the two teams playing.
Each square on the grid is assigned a pair of numbers (one for each team), and those numbers represent the last digit of each team’s score at the end of each quarter or the final game.
For example:
- If the NFC team’s score ends in “7” and the AFC team’s score ends in “3,” the person who owns the square corresponding to (7,3) wins that quarter’s prize.
It’s simple, social, and full of suspense — especially when scores change late in the game.
How to Set Up an NFL or NCAA Football Squares Game
Setting up your own Football Squares pool is easy and can be done on paper, a whiteboard, or online using digital pool generators.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Create a 10×10 Grid
Draw a large grid with 10 columns and 10 rows, resulting in 100 squares. Label the top row with numbers 0–9 and do the same for the left column.
Step 2: Assign Teams
Write one team’s name (for example, “Chiefs”) across the top and the other team’s name (for example, “49ers”) down the side.
Step 3: Sell or Assign Squares
Each participant buys or is assigned one or more squares. You can charge per square (say, $1, $5, or $10 each) depending on your group’s budget.
Step 4: Randomize the Numbers
After all 100 squares are taken, randomly assign the numbers 0–9 to both the top row and the side column. These numbers correspond to the last digits of each team’s score. Randomizing keeps the game fair and prevents strategic picking.
Step 5: Determine Payouts
You can choose to award prizes at the end of each quarter or only at the end of the game. A common payout split is:
- 1st Quarter: 20% of pot
- 2nd Quarter: 20% of pot
- 3rd Quarter: 20% of pot
- Final Score: 40% of pot
Example of How to Win
Let’s say it’s the end of the first quarter in a Super Bowl game:
- Team A (Chiefs): 17 points
- Team B (49ers): 13 points
The winning square would be the one with the Chiefs “7” (last digit) and 49ers “3” (last digit). Whoever owns that square wins that round’s prize.
The suspense builds as scores change throughout the game — meaning every touchdown, field goal, or extra point can change who’s in the lead!
Why People Love Football Squares
1. Easy for Everyone
Even people who don’t know the rules of football can play. You don’t need to predict winners, stats, or player performances — just fill in a square and cheer for your numbers.
2. Perfect for Parties and Fundraisers
Football Squares make an excellent addition to Super Bowl parties, office gatherings, or community fundraisers. They encourage participation and build excitement throughout the game.
3. Builds Camaraderie
The game brings people together, creating friendly competition and shared anticipation, no matter who they root for.
4. Low-Cost, High Fun
With flexible buy-ins, it’s accessible to everyone. You can run small $1 pools or large $100 grids depending on your group.
5. Works for Any Football Game
Although most common during the Super Bowl, it’s equally fun during college football bowl games, NCAA playoffs, and regular season matchups.
Tips for Hosting a Great Football Squares Pool
If you’re organizing an NFL or NCAA Football Squares pool, here are some tips to make it smooth and fun:
- Set Clear Rules Early: Decide on the price per square, payout structure, and how winners will be determined before selling squares.
- Use Randomization Tools: To ensure fairness, use an online random number generator to assign numbers.
- Display the Grid Clearly: Post the grid on a TV, wall, or share it digitally so everyone can follow along.
- Keep the Energy Up: Announce quarter winners loudly or in a group chat to keep everyone engaged.
- Offer Small Bonuses: Add optional mini-prizes like “first touchdown” or “halftime score” for extra excitement.
NFL vs NCAA Football Squares
While the rules are essentially the same, there are a few differences between NFL and NCAA Football Squares:
| Feature | NFL Football Squares | NCAA Football Squares |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Patterns | NFL scores are often predictable due to field goals and touchdowns | NCAA scores vary more, making outcomes less predictable |
| Game Structure | 4 quarters of 15 minutes | 4 quarters of 15 minutes, but more unpredictable |
| Best For | Super Bowl, playoffs, regular season | Bowl games, championship playoffs, rivalry games |
| Audience | Fans of professional teams | College sports enthusiasts and alumni |
Both versions deliver the same suspense and energy — and both can make every game more thrilling.
Digital Football Squares Platforms
While traditional paper grids are still popular, many people are now turning to digital football square platforms for convenience. These allow you to:
- Automatically assign numbers and track winners
- Share grids with remote participants
- Manage payments securely
- Display live updates during the game
This is especially handy for large groups or online communities where everyone wants to join the fun, even from afar.
Fun Variations of the Classic Game
You can keep things fresh by experimenting with different versions:
- Half-Grid (5×5) – Great for smaller groups or quick games.
- Reverse Squares – Prizes go to those with reversed score digits (adds extra winners).
- Touchdown Bonus – Extra prize for those whose square matches after every touchdown.
- Halftime Jackpot – Bigger prize for the halftime score to keep energy up mid-game.
These variations add layers of excitement and ensure everyone has a chance to win.
Why It’s a Timeless Football Tradition
For decades, Football Squares have been a staple of game-day entertainment. It’s not about high-stakes betting — it’s about participation, anticipation, and fun. Whether you’re an avid football fan or just in it for the snacks and commercials, there’s nothing like the joy of seeing your numbers hit at the perfect moment.
It transforms every touchdown into a celebration and every field goal into a suspenseful event.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the NFL Super Bowl or the NCAA College Championship, Football Squares bring people together like few other traditions can. The thrill of waiting for that final score, the laughter, and the friendly rivalries — it’s all part of what makes game day special.
With simple rules, low entry costs, and endless excitement, Football Squares remain one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to add a little more fun — and maybe some winnings — to your next football gathering.
So, grab your friends, set up your grid, and get ready to make every score count!
