Super Bowl Squares Rules: Basic Rules and House Rules
Updated: November 10, 2026 | By Meyer Roy
The Super Bowl squares rules are simple: fill a 10 by 10 grid with names, draw the numbers 0 to 9 at random for each team, and use the last digit of each team’s score to find a winner at the end of every quarter.
Most arguments come from rules nobody set in advance. This page lists them.
Write your rules on the free Super Bowl squares template before kickoff.
What are the Basic Super Bowl Squares Rules?
The basic Super Bowl squares rules have 6 parts. Players claim squares on a grid, the numbers are drawn after the grid is full, and the last digit of each team’s score decides the winning square 4 times during the game.
- One grid, 100 squares. One team is on top, the other is on the side.
- One name per square. A player can hold more than one square.
- Numbers come last. The numbers 0 to 9 are drawn at random only after every square is filled.
- Last digit only. A score of 17 counts as 7. A score of 20 counts as 0.
- 4 winners. One at the end of the 1st quarter, halftime, the 3rd quarter and the final score.
- The grid is locked. No changes to names or numbers after the draw.
For a step by step walkthrough with an example score, see how Super Bowl squares work.
Which Super Bowl Squares Rules Should You Set Before Kickoff?
Set 7 Super Bowl squares rules before kickoff: the prize split, overtime, empty squares, the limit per player, the deadline, who draws the numbers and who keeps the grid. These are house rules, so each group chooses its own answer.
| Rule to settle | Most common choice | Other option |
|---|---|---|
| Prize split | 25% per quarter | 20%, 20%, 20% and 40% |
| Overtime | Final prize uses the final score | Final prize uses the 4th quarter score |
| Empty winning square | Prize rolls over to the next quarter | Nearest filled square wins |
| Squares per player | No limit | A set limit, such as 5 or 10 |
| Deadline | Grid closes before the number draw | Grid closes the day before the game |
| Number draw | Drawn in front of the group | Drawn with an online generator |
| Grid keeper | One host keeps the grid | A photo is sent to every player |
These are common house rules, not official rules. There is no governing body for squares.
What are the Super Bowl Squares Rules for Drawing Numbers?
The Super Bowl squares rules for drawing numbers are that every square must be filled first, each digit from 0 to 9 is used once per team, and the draw is random. Draw 10 numbers for the top team, then draw 10 again for the side team.
Draw in front of others or record a short video, so every player trusts the result. The free Super Bowl squares generator draws the numbers with one press.
What are the Super Bowl Squares Rules for Overtime?
Under the usual Super Bowl squares rules for overtime, the final prize is decided by the final score after overtime. The 4th quarter score does not pay separately. Some groups pay the 4th quarter and the final as 2 prizes instead.
Choose one before the game. An overtime rule made up during overtime is never popular.
What are the Rules if a Winning Square is Empty?
If a winning square is empty, the usual Super Bowl squares rule is a rollover: the prize moves to the next quarter. If the final square is empty, the prize goes to the nearest filled square or is split among all players.
The fair fix is to fill the grid. With a small group, use a 25 or 50 square grid from the printable Super Bowl squares page.
Can You Copy These Super Bowl Squares Rules?
Yes. Copy the short Super Bowl squares rules below into an email or group chat, then change any line to match your house rules.
- Each square holds 1 name. You may take more than 1 square.
- Numbers are drawn at random after all squares are filled.
- Winners are decided by the last digit of each team’s score.
- There are 4 winners: 1st quarter, halftime, 3rd quarter and final.
- The final prize uses the final score, including overtime.
- A prize on an empty square rolls over to the next quarter.
- No changes to the grid after the numbers are drawn.
Squares is a game of chance. For official game details, see the NFL’s Super Bowl page.
Super Bowl Squares Rules FAQ
Are there official Super Bowl squares rules?
No. Squares is a party game with no governing body, so every group sets its own house rules.
Can you pick your own numbers?
No. Players pick squares, and the numbers are drawn at random after the grid is full.
Can one person take several squares?
Yes, unless your group sets a limit. A limit of 5 or 10 squares keeps the grid shared out.
Does the score reset each quarter?
No. Use the running score at the end of each quarter, not the points scored in that quarter alone.
What if the score is over 9 points?
Use only the last digit. A score of 24 counts as 4, and a score of 30 counts as 0.
Can the grid change after the numbers are drawn?
No. Once the numbers are drawn, names and numbers stay as they are until the game ends.
The Super Bowl Squares Rules, in Short
The Super Bowl squares rules come down to this: fill the grid, draw the numbers last and read the last digit of each score 4 times. Settle the prize split, overtime and empty squares before kickoff.
See the common prize splits in the Super Bowl squares payouts guide.