Super Bowl Squares: Complete Guide

How to play football squares, rules, payouts, and winning strategies

What Are Super Bowl Squares?

Super Bowl Squares (also called Football Squares or Super Bowl Boxes) is a popular game played at Super Bowl parties, office pools, and among friends. It's simple, requires no football knowledge, and creates excitement throughout the entire game.

The basic concept: Participants buy squares on a 10x10 grid. Numbers 0-9 are randomly assigned to rows (one team) and columns (other team). Your square wins if the last digit of each team's score matches your row and column numbers at the end of a quarter.

How to Play Super Bowl Squares

Step 1: Create the Grid

The organizer creates a 10x10 grid with 100 squares total. One team is assigned to the rows (top axis) and the other team to the columns (side axis).

Step 2: Buy Squares

Participants buy squares by writing their name in the boxes they want. Most pools allow you to buy multiple squares. Common prices:

• $1 per square = $100 total prize pool
• $5 per square = $500 total prize pool
• $10 per square = $1,000 total prize pool
• $20 per square = $2,000 total prize pool

Step 3: Assign Numbers (After All Squares Sold)

Critical: Numbers 0-9 are randomly assigned to the rows and columns AFTER all squares are purchased. This ensures fairness because some number combinations are much more likely to win than others.

How to assign randomly:

• Use a random number generator
• Draw numbers from a hat
• Roll dice
• Use an online squares generator tool

Step 4: Watch the Game

During the Super Bowl, check your squares at the end of each quarter. Look at the last digit of each team's score and find where those numbers intersect on the grid.

Step 5: Collect Winnings

If your square matches the score at the end of a quarter, you win that quarter's payout!

Super Bowl Squares Example

Payout Structures

There are several common ways to distribute the prize pool:

Option 1: Standard (Most Common)

Example: $1,000 pool = $200 for Q1, $200 for Q2, $200 for Q3, $400 for final score

Option 2: Equal Quarters

Option 3: Halftime & Final Only

Option 4: Final Score Only

The entire prize pool goes to whoever has the square matching the final score. This creates maximum tension but fewer winners.

Best Numbers in Super Bowl Squares

Some numbers win more often than others because of how football scoring works (touchdowns = 6 or 7 points, field goals = 3 points).

Best Numbers (Most Likely to Win)

1. 0 - Most common (touchdowns + extra point = X0, field goals = X0)
2. 7 - Very common (touchdown + extra point)
3. 3 - Common (field goals)
4. 4 - Moderately common (touchdown + extra point + field goal = X4)

Worst Numbers (Least Likely to Win)

• 2 - Very rare (requires safety)
• 5 - Very rare
• 8 - Rare
• 9 - Rare

Best Number Combinations

Based on historical Super Bowl data, these combinations win most often:

1. 0-0
2. 0-3
3. 3-0
4. 0-7
5. 7-0
6. 3-3
7. 7-7
8. 4-0
9. 0-4
10. 3-7

Super Bowl Squares Strategies

While the game is entirely luck-based, here are some tips to maximize your experience:

1. Buy Multiple Squares

More squares = more chances to win. If your pool allows it, buying 5-10 squares significantly increases your odds.

2. Spread Out Your Squares

Don't cluster your squares in one area. Spread them across the grid to cover more number combinations.

3. Join Multiple Pools

Participate in several pools (work, friends, family) to multiply your winning chances and increase excitement.

4. Play in Different Payout Structures

Pools that pay each quarter give you four chances to win instead of just one.

5. Organize Your Own Pool

As the organizer, you often get the first pick of squares (before numbers are assigned) and can buy multiple squares.

How to Set Up Your Own Pool

Step 1: Decide Pool Size

Determine the cost per square and total prize pool. Common options:

• Small pool: $1-$5 per square ($100-$500 pool)
• Medium pool: $10 per square ($1,000 pool)
• Large pool: $20-$50 per square ($2,000-$5,000 pool)

Step 2: Create the Grid

Use one of these methods:

• Online squares generator (many free options)
• Print a blank 10x10 grid
• Use Excel/Google Sheets
• Draw on poster board for office pools

Step 3: Set the Rules

Clearly communicate:

• Cost per square
• Maximum squares per person (if any)
• Payment deadline
• Payout structure
• When/how numbers will be assigned
• Payment method for winners

Step 4: Collect Entries

Have participants pick their squares by writing their names in boxes. Collect payment immediately or before the deadline.

Step 5: Assign Numbers Randomly

Once all squares are sold, randomly assign numbers 0-9 to rows and columns. Do this publicly or record it so everyone can verify fairness.

Step 6: Distribute the Grid

Share the completed grid with all participants before the game. Include instructions on how to read their squares.

Step 7: Pay Out Winners

After each quarter, identify the winner and pay out promptly. Use Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, or cash for quick payments.

Official Super Bowl Squares Rules

Standard Rules

1. Grid Size: 10x10 grid (100 squares total)
2. Team Assignment: One team per axis, assigned before squares are sold
3. Number Assignment: Random assignment AFTER all squares are sold
4. Winning: Last digit of each team's score at end of quarters
5. Quarters: Winners determined at end of Q1, Q2, Q3, and Final
6. Overtime: If game goes to OT, use the final score after OT ends

Common Variations

• Reverse squares: Pay out for opposite number combinations
• Changing numbers: Reassign numbers each quarter (more chances to win)
• Two-square win: Both adjacent squares split the payout
• Percentage pool: Organizer keeps 10% for managing the pool

Is It Legal?

The legality of Super Bowl Squares varies by jurisdiction:

Check your local and state laws before organizing or participating in pools. Most small, private office or friend pools are tolerated, but large commercial operations may face legal issues.

Pro Tips for Pool Organizers

• Use online tools: Many free websites handle grid creation, number assignment, and tracking
• Screenshot everything: Save proof of the grid, numbers, and payments
• Set a deadline: Require all squares to be paid for 24 hours before kickoff
• Have a backup plan: If squares don't sell out, reduce the prize pool proportionally
• Be transparent: Share the payout structure and grid with everyone before the game
• Pay fast: Winners want their money quickly - use digital payment methods
• Save contact info: Get phone numbers or email for all participants

Key Takeaways

✓ Basic Concept:

• 10x10 grid = 100 squares, participants buy squares
• Numbers 0-9 assigned randomly to rows and columns
• Win by matching the last digit of each team's score
• Multiple payouts per game (typically each quarter)

✓ Best Practices:

• Assign numbers AFTER all squares are sold
• Use random number generation for fairness
• Clearly communicate rules and payout structure
• Collect payment before the game starts

✓ Winning Numbers:

• Best: 0, 7, 3, 4
• Worst: 2, 5, 8, 9
• Best combinations: 0-0, 0-3, 3-0, 0-7, 7-0
• Remember: It's 100% luck once numbers are assigned!

✓ For More Football Betting:

While Super Bowl Squares is fun for casual entertainment, if you're interested in more strategic football betting, check out positive EV betting, spread betting, or use our expected value calculator to find profitable betting opportunities.

FAQ: Super Bowl Squares