The Beginner's Guide to Football Squares: How to Play Without Overthinking It
Whether it is a big game or a casual Sunday, football squares is the easiest way to add some friendly excitement. This guide keeps it simple so anyone can join in and have fun.
Football squares rules at a glance
- A grid has 10 rows and 10 columns for a total of 100 squares.
- Each participant picks one or more squares before the game starts.
- After the grid fills, the numbers 0-9 are randomly assigned across the top and side.
- At each checkpoint (end of 1st, 2nd, 3rd quarter, and final), take the last digit of each team score. The square where those digits intersect gets the winner for that checkpoint.
- No complex math and no tricky strategy needed.
Setup in five minutes
- Draw a 10x10 grid or open a digital board.
- Label one axis for the home team and the other for the away team.
- Let family, friends, and coworkers choose their squares.
- Randomize the numbers 0-9 across both axes.
- Enjoy the game and mark winners at each checkpoint.
Use PickMySquare.com to run your board
If you want zero hassle, use PickMySquare.com. It is simple to set up, easy to share with a link or QR code, and it handles the random numbers and checkpoint winners automatically. You can manage the board from your phone and invite anyone in seconds. Visit https://pickmysquare.com to start a free board.
How football squares winners are picked
- End of 1st quarter: last digit of away score vs last digit of home score.
- Halftime: same process using the current scores.
- End of 3rd quarter: check the new last digits.
- Final: the last digit combo at the end of the game determines the final winner.
Tip: Write the winning square at each checkpoint right on the grid or in your app so everyone can follow along.
Variations you can use
- Single checkpoint: only track the final result for a quick game.
- Extra checkpoints: include mid-quarter or drive-based checkpoints for faster excitement.
- Team-first: assign teams to axes after the grid fills to keep it fair and fun.
- Mini board: use a 5x5 grid for smaller groups.
Keep it low stress
- Keep explanations short. Focus on picking squares and checking the last digits.
- Rotate who announces the winners each checkpoint to keep kids engaged.
- Use team colors and stickers to mark winners on a physical board.
- Keep it family-friendly and celebrate every checkpoint winner.
Football squares FAQ
What do I need to play? A grid and people who want to pick squares. That is it.
When are winners chosen? At checkpoints: end of 1st, halftime, end of 3rd, and final.
Do I need to understand football strategy? No. You only look at the last digit of each score.
Can kids play? Yes. It is perfect for families because it is simple and quick to explain.
The takeaway
Football squares is easy to set up and fun for all ages. Keep it simple, mark winners at each checkpoint, and enjoy the game together. If you want the smoothest experience, run your board with PickMySquare.com and let the app handle the details.
Related reading: Check out "Why Football Squares Are the Secret Ingredient to Family Game Night" at /blog/why-football-squares-are-the-secret-ingredient-to-family-game-night, and explore more in our categories at /blog/category/guides and /blog/category/how-to.
