You’re sitting on the couch, the dip is getting cold, and the halftime show was... fine. But suddenly, you’re screaming at the TV because a missed extra point just landed you fifty bucks. That’s the magic of the game within the game. Honestly, it doesn't matter if you know a blitz from a flea flicker. If you have a template super bowl squares sheet in your hand, you’re locked in until the final whistle.
Most people think setting this up is a massive headache. It isn't. You basically just need a grid, some brave souls willing to risk a few dollars (or just their pride), and a set of random numbers. But there is a huge difference between a messy, hand-drawn grid on the back of a pizza box and a clean, functional setup that actually makes sense.
How the Grid Actually Works (Without the Confusion)
Look, a standard football squares grid is a $10 \times 10$ square. That gives you 100 little boxes. One team takes the top row, the other takes the side column. People "buy" into squares before the game starts. You don’t get to pick your numbers; that’s the whole point of the gamble. You just pick an empty spot, write your name, and hope for the best.
Once the grid is full, you pull numbers 0 through 9 out of a hat. These go across the top and down the side. Now every square has a coordinate. If the score at the end of the first quarter is 7-3, the person who owns the square where the 7 and 3 meet wins. Simple. Sorta.
The beauty of using a template super bowl squares is that you don't have to worry about the math or the alignment. You just print it and go. But here is where people mess up: they assign the numbers before people buy the squares. Don’t do that. It makes it unfair because some numbers—like 0, 7, and 3—are statistically much more likely to hit than, say, a 2 or an 8. You have to keep the numbers hidden until every single square is claimed. Otherwise, your buddy who actually watches the NFL is going to snatch up all the "good" coordinates while everyone else is left with the junk.
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The Strategy Behind the Luck
It feels like total luck. In many ways, it is. But if you look at the history of NFL scoring, some numbers are objectively better. According to data from years of Super Bowl history, the number 0 is the king. Why? Because scores often end in 10, 20, or 30.
Then you have 7. Touchdowns. Obviously.
But here’s a weird one: 4. It used to be a "bad" number. But with the way kicking has changed and the frequency of field goals, 4 is appearing way more often than it did in the 90s. If you end up with a 2 or a 5 on your template super bowl squares, you’re probably going to be annoyed. Those are the "dead" numbers. It's rare for a team to end a quarter with a score ending in 5 unless there’s a very specific combination of a touchdown, a two-point conversion, and a field goal. Or maybe two field goals and a safety? It's rare. That’s the point.
Making It Interesting for Everyone
You don't have to play for money. I’ve seen offices use these for "leave work an hour early" passes or just bragging rights. But if you are doing a pool, keep the payouts simple. Usually, it’s a percentage for the end of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters, with the biggest chunk going to the final score.
Some people do "Reverse Squares" where the person with the wrong score wins, but that’s just confusing and honestly, a bit much. Just stick to the classic.
Why You Need a Physical Sheet
Digital apps are fine. There are plenty of websites where you can run a pool online. But there is something visceral about a physical template super bowl squares sheet taped to the wall near the snack table. It becomes a focal point. People hover over it. They cross out names. They groan.
If you're the host, your job is to be the commissioner. That means you handle the "draw" for the numbers. Do it live. Do it right before kickoff. It builds the hype. Use a deck of cards (Ace through 10, where 10 is zero) or just scraps of paper in a Solo cup. It’s a ritual.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't let one person buy 50 squares. It ruins the vibe. Limit it to 5 or 10 per person so you get a good mix of people involved.
Also, make sure you clarify what happens in overtime. Does the "Final Score" mean the score at the end of the 4th quarter or the actual final score after OT? Usually, it's the final-final score. Make sure everyone knows this before the game starts to avoid an argument while people are three drinks deep.
Another thing: the "Axis" problem. Clearly mark which team is the top row and which is the side column. If you flip them halfway through because someone was confused, you’re going to have a mutiny on your hands. Use a thick Sharpie. Write the team names in big, bold letters.
Beyond the Standard 100-Square Grid
If you have a smaller party, a 100-square grid is a nightmare to fill. You'll have 40 empty boxes and no one to win. In that case, use a 25-square template. Each square just represents two numbers instead of one. It keeps the game moving and ensures someone wins every quarter.
You could also do "Quarterback Squares" where the numbers correspond to passing yards or completions, but that’s getting into the weeds. Most people just want to see the score and check their paper.
The Evolution of the Game
Super Bowl squares have been around since at least the 1970s. It’s a tradition that has survived because it requires zero skill. You can be the biggest fan in the world or someone who thinks a "tight end" is a workout goal—it doesn't matter. Everyone has the same shot.
Using a template super bowl squares is basically about democratizing the fun. It takes the pressure off. No one has to "know" who's going to win. You just need your numbers to hit. It turns a blowout game into a nail-biter. If one team is up by 30 points, nobody cares about the game anymore—except the person who needs a garbage-time safety to land a "2" on their grid.
Actionable Steps for Your Party
First, download or create a clean 10x10 grid. Make sure the boxes are big enough for people to actually write their names legibly.
Second, set your price point early. If it's a $5-a-square pool, that's a $500 pot. If it's $20, you're looking at two grand. Make sure people are comfortable with the stakes.
Third, get a heavy-duty piece of poster board. Glue your template super bowl squares to the center. This makes it sturdy so it doesn't flop around when people are trying to sign it.
Finally, have a "payout" plan. Write it on the side of the board.
- 1st Quarter: 15%
- Halftime: 30%
- 3rd Quarter: 15%
- Final Score: 40%
This distribution keeps the middle of the game exciting because the halftime winner gets a big payout, but the "Big One" is still waiting at the end.
Once the numbers are drawn and written in, take a photo of the completed board with your phone. Send that photo to everyone in the pool immediately. This prevents any "Wait, I thought I had the 7!" disputes later in the night. It’s about transparency. Once that photo is sent, the grid is locked in stone. No changes. No excuses. Just pure, unadulterated luck.