Football season brings fans together like nothing else—whether it’s gathering in a living room, tailgate party, office break room, or sports bar. While everyone loves cheering for their favorite NFL and NCAA teams, one tradition has become especially popular for adding fun, excitement, and friendly competition to game day: Football Squares.
Also known as Super Bowl Squares, Football Grid Pools, or Score Squares, this simple but thrilling game has become a fan-favorite for both professional NFL matchups and college NCAA showdowns. Whether you’re new to the concept or you’re looking to set up your own grid for an upcoming game, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Are Football Squares?
Football Squares is a game of chance played using a 10×10 grid—creating 100 squares in total. Each participant buys or selects one or more squares on the grid. After all squares are filled, the numbers 0 through 9 are randomly assigned to the rows and columns, representing the last digits of the teams’ scores.
Players win at the end of each quarter based on the score combination that matches their square.
Football Squares is popular because:
- It’s simple
- It requires no football knowledge
- Anyone can win
- It works for both NFL and NCAA games
- It keeps everyone engaged from kickoff to the final whistle
How the 10×10 Football Squares Grid Works
To understand the excitement behind Football Squares, it helps to break down the structure:
1. The Grid
A standard grid has:
- 10 rows
- 10 columns
- Labels for Team A (usually horizontal)
- Labels for Team B (usually vertical)
This creates 100 total squares.
2. Filling the Squares
Participants choose any number of squares they want. In office pools, family gatherings, or online groups, you can set a price per square or keep it free for fun.
3. Assigning Numbers
Once the squares are filled, the numbers 0–9 are randomly assigned along each row and column.
These represent the last digit of each team’s score.
For example:
If the score is Team A: 17 and Team B: 20, the winning square is the one that corresponds to Team A = 7 and Team B = 0.
Why Football Squares Are Popular for NFL & NCAA Games
Football Squares work for any football matchup, but they’ve become particularly popular for:
🏈 NFL Games
- Regular season games
- Playoffs
- Thanksgiving Day games
- Super Bowl
🏈 NCAA Games
- Rivalry games
- Bowl games
- College playoffs
- Championship weekend
The unpredictable nature of football scores makes the game highly engaging—especially for big games involving well-known teams and historic rivalries.
How to Set Up NFL & NCAA Football Squares
Setting up your own Football Squares pool is incredibly easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create Your Grid
You can draw a physical grid on paper, use a printable template, or create one online.
Label:
- The top with one team
- The side with the other team
Step 2: Sell or Assign Squares
Depending on your group:
- You can sell squares (e.g., $1, $5, or $10 per square)
- Or simply let participants pick for free
Step 3: Fill the Grid
Participants write their names in the squares they choose.
If playing digitally, names are typed in.
Step 4: Assign the Numbers Randomly
This step must be done after all squares are filled to ensure fairness.
Assign:
- 0–9 at the top
- 0–9 along the side
The randomness creates suspense as no one knows which score combinations they will end up with.
Step 5: Determine the Payout Structure
You can set payouts for:
- End of each quarter
- Halftime
- Final score
- Overtime
Popular payout splits include:
- 25% at each quarter
- 20% at first quarter, 20% at halftime, 20% at third quarter, 40% final
The more players, the bigger the prize pool.
Strategies (Even Though It’s Mostly Luck!)
While Football Squares is mostly a game of chance, understanding scoring trends can help you choose better squares—especially in paid pools.
Common Winning Digits
Studies of NFL and NCAA scoring patterns show that some digits win more often than others.
Most common winning last digits:
- 0
- 3
- 7
These occur frequently due to field goals and touchdowns.
Least common digits:
- 5
- 2
Still, upsets and unusual score combinations happen often—keeping the game exciting.
Football Squares Variations
To keep things interesting, many groups use special variations:
1. 5×5 Grid
A simplified version with only 25 squares—great for smaller groups or quick games.
2. Reverse Squares
Instead of matching the last digit, you match the first digit.
3. Score Change Squares
You win whenever the score changes—not just at quarter ends.
4. Halftime Mini Games
Great for NCAA bowl parties and NFL watch parties.
These variations help keep large gatherings entertained all game long.
Why Football Squares Add Excitement to Every Game
Whether you’re watching an intense NFL rivalry or a high-energy NCAA matchup, Football Squares keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Even people who aren’t diehard fans enjoy playing because:
- It’s easy
- It’s unpredictable
- It gives everyone a chance to win
- It adds suspense to each quarter
- It sparks friendly competition
Families love it. Office workers love it. Football fans absolutely love it.
Tips for Hosting a Great Football Squares Event
If you’re organizing a Squares pool, here are some ideas to make it even more fun:
- Offer small prizes for quarter winners
- Use color-coded grids
- Display the board where everyone can see
- Provide snacks, drinks, and decorations
- Play music during halftime
- Run trivia between quarters
Whether it’s an NFL Sunday or a big NCAA rivalry weekend, Football Squares turn an ordinary game into an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts
Football Squares have become one of the most beloved traditions for NFL and NCAA fans across the country. The game’s simplicity, fairness, and element of surprise make it perfect for groups of all sizes. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a college tailgate, or just watching with friends, adding Football Squares makes the event more interactive and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Easy to set up, fun to play, and exciting from start to finish—Football Squares are the ultimate game-day entertainment.
