Football has long been a sport that brings people together, and few traditions capture the excitement of a big game quite like 100 football squares. Also known as a football pool or Super Bowl squares, this game blends chance, competition, and fun into an easy-to-follow format that’s perfect for friends, families, workplaces, and community gatherings.
Whether you’re gearing up for the Super Bowl, a college championship, or a local playoff game, learning how 100 football squares work will make your viewing party even more thrilling. This guide explains the setup, rules, strategies, and tips for maximizing the fun.
What Are 100 Football Squares?
At its core, 100 football squares is a simple betting or prize game tied to the score of a football game. The game board consists of a 10-by-10 grid, creating 100 individual squares. Each square corresponds to a possible last-digit combination of the two teams’ scores.
Rows represent one team (for example, Team A).
Columns represent the other team (Team B).
After numbers are randomly assigned (0–9), every square represents a unique outcome.
This means if the score is, say, Team A: 17 and Team B: 10, the winning square is the one where Team A’s row has a “7” and Team B’s column has a “0.”
Why People Love Football Squares
The popularity of 100 football squares lies in its mix of simplicity and suspense:
Easy for anyone to join: No deep football knowledge required.
Random outcome: Winning depends on luck, not skill, so everyone has a fair chance.
Works for any football game: NFL, college, or even high school championships.
Customizable prizes: Pools can be for fun, charity fundraising, or monetary prizes.
This makes the game a staple for Super Bowl parties and beyond.
Step-by-Step Setup for 100 Football Squares
1. Create the Grid
Draw or print a 10×10 chart (total 100 squares). Online templates and apps also make this process quick and neat.
2. Label the Rows and Columns
Choose one team for the rows.
Assign the other team to the columns.
Do not assign numbers yet.
3. Sell or Assign Squares
Each participant chooses squares to claim. Depending on the pool, people may pay per square, or they can be assigned randomly.
4. Randomly Assign Numbers (0–9)
After all squares are filled, randomly assign the digits 0–9 to the rows and columns. This ensures fairness and prevents people from choosing “lucky” numbers.
5. Determine Payouts
Decide how winners will be rewarded. Common payout options include:
After each quarter
After halftime
Final score only
Percentage-based payouts (example: 20% per quarter, 40% final score)
Example of Football Squares in Action
Let’s say Team A is the San Francisco 49ers and Team B is the Kansas City Chiefs in a big game.
The grid has been set, and one participant owns the square that matches 49ers: 3 and Chiefs: 7.
At the end of the first quarter, the score is 13–7.
The last digits (3 and 7) determine the winning square.
That participant wins the first-quarter payout.
The same process repeats after halftime, the third quarter, and the final score.
Payout Structures for 100 Football Squares
One of the most customizable aspects of this game is the prize payout. Here are some popular methods:
Quarterly Payouts – 25% of the prize pool after each quarter.
Weighted Payouts – 20% for Q1, 20% for Q2, 20% for Q3, 40% for the final score.
Winner-Takes-All – Entire pool goes to the final score winner.
Charity Model – A percentage is donated to a cause, and the rest is divided among winners.
This flexibility is one reason football squares works for both casual gatherings and fundraising events.
Strategies for Playing Football Squares
Since 100 football squares is largely luck-based, strategies are more about maximizing your chances:
Buy multiple squares: More squares = better odds.
Spread your picks: Don’t cluster all your squares in one area of the grid.
Look for lucky numbers: Scores ending in 0, 3, 7 are more common in football.
Play in groups: Pooling with friends can increase the number of squares you collectively own.
Although strategy can’t guarantee victory, it can boost your excitement and odds.
Common Variations of Football Squares
Over time, creative variations have emerged:
50 Square Grid – A smaller 5×10 version, perfect for smaller groups.
Reverse Payouts – Rewards given to squares that almost win, such as the opposite numbers.
Score Change Wins – Payouts occur whenever the score changes, not just at set intervals.
Charity-Style – Extra squares are auctioned or raffled to raise more funds for good causes.
These variations keep the tradition fresh and adaptable.
Football Squares as a Fundraising Tool
One of the best uses of 100 football squares is as a fundraiser. Schools, clubs, and charities often use this format because:
It’s easy to understand.
It generates excitement.
It encourages participation from people of all ages.
Organizers can set a price per square (for example, $10 each), collect the total, and split the proceeds between winners and the organization.
Why 100 Football Squares Are Perfect for the Super Bowl
While football squares can work for any matchup, they’ve become iconic at Super Bowl parties. The game attracts both hardcore fans and casual viewers, making it the perfect backdrop.
Even guests who don’t follow football closely stay engaged because their squares give them a reason to cheer for specific scores. A touchdown, a field goal, or even a missed extra point can completely change the outcome.
This blend of unpredictability and entertainment explains why the Super Bowl and football squares are almost synonymous.
Tips for Hosting Football Squares
Use a clear, easy-to-read grid so players can track results.
Set rules upfront about payouts and deadlines.
Randomize numbers fairly to maintain integrity.
Provide updates during the game so participants stay excited.
Celebrate winners loudly to keep energy high.
The Appeal of Football Squares
At the end of the day, 100 football squares is more than just a game. It’s a tradition that brings people together. It combines chance, community, and the thrill of football into one exciting package.
Whether you’re running a serious pool, raising funds for a cause, or simply looking for fun at your Super Bowl party, football squares is a time-tested way to make the game more memorable.
Conclusion
Football is already one of the most exciting sports, but adding 100 football squares makes the experience even more engaging. This simple grid-based game requires no advanced strategy, making it accessible for everyone, yet it delivers suspense throughout the entire matchup.
From quarter-to-quarter payouts to last-minute wins, football squares have a way of keeping every fan invested until the final whistle. So the next time you’re hosting a football party, grab a 100-square grid—it might just become the highlight of your game day tradition.