This February 11th, picture yourself sitting at the edge of your seat (on a very comfortable couch) watching the most anticipated game of the year. Likely, you’ll be sharing the experience with friends and family and, of course, enjoying delicious food and beverages while watching — think buffalo wings, chips and salsa, maybe (probably?) some beer.
Super Bowl Sunday is almost here. Whether your favorite team is a contender or not, the big game is exciting for every sports fan. So, naturally, you want to take your watch party next-level. One sure way is playing Super Bowl squares!
Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with Super Bowl squares. We’re going to go over what the game is, how to play it, and how to take your party up a notch with FlexShopper.
Let’s get into it.
What is Super Bowl Squares?
Put simply, Super Bowl squares is a betting game that can be played while watching the Super Bowl. To win, you have to correctly guess the score of the game. It’s important to note, here, that the game is a little bit more complicated than that, but we’ll get into the full details a little later on.
This timeless game is always a crowd pleaser on Super Bowl Sunday which, as crazy as it sounds, ranks as the second-highest American holiday for food consumption. It comes in just behind Thanksgiving!
Another fun fact: Super Bowl squares isn’t just popular in America, it has been around for over 15 years in England, too. The game is truly known around the world! It’s an easy-to-play office-pool and party game. This game of chance also helps make the Super Bowl experience more rewarding whether or not your team is playing in the big game! Now let’s talk about how to setup your game, so the fun can really begin.
How Do Super Bowl Squares Work?
Here’s how sportingnews.com breaks it down!
- Print a 10×10 grid or set one up virtually using one of the many free sites out there.
- Be sure to include an extra blank row (horizontal) and column (vertical) for drawing numbers.
- Get your party guests, co-workers and any other players to select squares by signing their initials within the grid. Each square is worth one entry.
- The board is set when all 100 squares are filled. It is important to fill out the entire board before numbers are drawn.
- Draw numbers 0-9 at random for both teams.
- Winners are traditionally determined by the second digits of the score at the end of each quarter. For example, if the one team has a 17-10 halftime lead, the player whose initials occupy the square with a “7 for that team and a “0” for the opposing team is the winner.
Most Super Bowl squares are played on a 10×10 grid with a “home” team row on top and the “visitor” column on the side. A grid starts with 100 “squares.” You can make the grid on a poster board or download a grid online,
How to Pick Super Bowl Squares
Invite friends, family, co-workers and party guests to play in the game. Have them pick a square and sign their name or put their initials on it.
How should you pick a square? It could be a family birthday, a jersey number, or a sentimental number. The truth is, it doesn’t matter. The numbers for the two teams will be drawn at random once all the boxes in the 100-square grid are filled.
If you select multiple squares in the same row or column, then that decreases the number combinations you will have because you will only have one number for one of the two teams.
The board is filled when all 100 squares have been assigned. You cannot draw numbers unless all of the squares are full.
How to Draw Numbers for Squares
You should designate a person to hold a drawing to randomly place numbers 0-9 across the Team 1 row and Team 2 column. Use Post-It notes, an online number generator, or a deck of cards. Have fun with the drawing.
How Do You Win?
Most standard Super Bowl squares pools pay a winner after the first quarter, second quarter, third quarter and final score. How is that determined? Go back to those numbers of “7” and “0.” The magic “number” is always the last number in the score. Obviously, 7, 3 and 0 are among the most-popular numbers, even if it doesn’t always work out.
Take the Party Further: “Touchdown-Level” Ideas
So, now that you’re familiar with how to play Super Bowl squares, it’s important that you also know a few other fun games and party ideas that will help you take your Super Bowl gathering to the next level.
Games to Try on Gameday
In terms of party games, why not simulate the game you’re watching by playing flag football before the big game airs? Invite your guests over a bit early and stage a game of football in your backyard. It’s a fun and engaging way to celebrate.
Not everyone wants to play football. So, you might try playing ‘Rate This Commercial.’ Simply create placards for your guests (some that say things like “Love!” or “Could Be Better!”; write whatever you’d like on the placards—you can get creative and silly here). Then, after each commercial, have your guests lift up the placard that reflects their feelings about each commercial.
Food to Keep the Guests Satisfied
You can’t host a Super Bowl party and have hungry guests! For an extensive guide to Super Bowl foods, check out this list. There are so many great options to choose from there, like Pepperoni Pizza made in a skillet and ‘Football Field Dip.’ If you’re at a loss as to what you should make: think finger foods.
Products You’ll Have to Have
Hosting a gameday party means having the best-of-the-best couches, sound systems, television sets, and more. You’ll need all the Super Bowl essentials that we offer at FlexShopper.
Host a Party as Memorable as
the Game with FlexShopper
Think about how much more rewarding it is to watch the game on a 4K television while sitting on a super comfortable recliner. We’ve got these products and more at FlexShopper. Even better, you relieve some of the up-front stress when you shop FlexShopper because we have flexible payment plans that can fit every budget. For more information about our party-enhancing products, check out FlexShopper today!
