The unwritten rules everyone should follow
Football squares is a simple game, but like any group activity, there are some unwritten rules that keep things running smoothly. Whether you are the organizer or a player, following these guidelines makes the experience better for everyone.
Set expectations early. When you share the game link, include a quick note about how many squares each person can claim, when the numbers will be assigned, and when the grid will be locked. This avoids confusion later. Our How to Play page is a good resource to share with first-time players.
Assign numbers before the game starts. This sounds obvious, but it happens more often than you would think. If you forget to click "Assign Numbers" before kickoff, the winners cannot be determined for earlier periods. Set a reminder for yourself an hour before game time.
Lock the grid at a reasonable time. Locking 30 minutes before the game starts gives everyone a fair window to participate while preventing last-second changes. Communicate the lockout time when you share the game.
Do not change squares after numbers are assigned. As admin, you have the ability to edit any square at any time. Use this only to fix genuine mistakes or to help someone who accidentally claimed the wrong square. Never use it to move people to "better" numbers after the randomization. The Activity log tracks all changes, so everything is transparent.
Claim your squares promptly. When the organizer shares the link, do not wait until the last minute. Getting your squares in early helps the organizer plan and makes it easier to fill the board.
Use your real name. Or at least a name that people in the group will recognize. The game is more fun when everyone can see who they are competing against. Joke names are fine if your group is into that, but make sure you are identifiable.
Do not claim too many squares. Unless the organizer says otherwise, stick to a reasonable number. If there are 20 people in the group, claiming 15 squares means some people might not get any. A good rule of thumb is to wait and see how the board is filling before claiming extras.
Do not complain about your numbers. The numbers are random. That is the whole point. Getting 2 and 5 is not the organizer's fault, and complaining about it takes the fun out of the reveal. Embrace the chaos. Underdogs win all the time.
Celebrate winners, but keep it light. When someone wins a quarter, a quick congratulations in the group chat is perfect. A five-paragraph victory speech is not.
Refresh the page to see updates. If the game is linked to live scoring, the scores update in the background automatically. Just refresh your browser periodically to see the latest. Scores may be delayed by up to 10 minutes, so do not panic if the grid does not update instantly after a score.
Do not bug the organizer about scores. If the game is linked to a live matchup, the scores take care of themselves. If it is a manual game, give the organizer a minute to update the scores between periods. They are probably watching the game too.
Remember that football squares is a bragging rights game. The fun is in the shared experience, the friendly competition, and having something to root for during the game. Keep it light, keep it fun, and be a good sport whether you win or lose. For more tips on getting the most out of your game, visit our Tips & Strategies page.
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