Top 5 Super Bowl Squares Mistakes to Avoid in 2026

Super Bowl squares remain one of the most popular party games for good reason: simple setup, high excitement, and big payouts for the right digits. But small oversights can lead to confusion, arguments, or lost fun. Here are the top 5 Super Bowl Squares mistakes we see year after year. These are especially relevant for a potentially low-scoring, defense-heavy rematch like Patriots vs Seahawks, and how to sidestep them if possible.

2026 Super Bowl LX Preview and Odds

Super Bowl LX takes place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium. We see the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. With the Seahawks favored (around -4.5 to -5 spread, -230 to -235 moneyline, over/under ~45.5–46.5), expect a defensive battle that could produce low-scoring quarters and tight margins. That makes your squares pool even more strategic, and prone to avoidable errors.

Top 5 Super Bowl Squares Mistakes to Avoid in 2026

Here are the top 5 Super Bowl Squares mistakes to avoid in 2026. Please note, if it involves picking number combinations, thats for the Squares game that does the number assignments ahead of time (many do them after the board is filled).

1. Picking “Lucky” Numbers Instead of Randomizing Properly

Many people rush to grab squares with “good” digits (0, 3, 7) because historical data shows they hit most often (0 is the most common ending digit across NFL games, followed by 7, 3, etc.). But in a single game-especially a defensive slugfest-patterns break.

Mistake: Letting players choose their own squares (or you pre-assigning favorites) before randomizing numbers.

Fix: Sell all squares first, then randomly assign row/column numbers (0–9) after the pool is full. This ensures fairness and eliminates bias. Use our Super Bowl Squares Generator-it randomizes instantly and lets you export a clean, branded PDF with Patriots vs Seahawks labeling.

2. Changing Rules or Payouts Mid-Pool

Nothing kills trust faster than moving the goalposts after squares are sold.

Mistake: Deciding on overtime rules, quarter payouts, or bonus structures after the game starts (or even after halftime when the score is known).

Fix: Lock in rules before anyone buys in. Post them clearly on your board, shared doc, or printable. Example for 2026:

20% Q1, 20% Q2, 20% Q3, 40% Final
Overtime uses final score only (no extra quarter)
Tiebreaker: closest to actual final score

See our detailed Super Bowl LX Squares Pool Ideas 2026 guide for proven structures and variations.

3. Not Clarifying Overtime, Ties, or Scoring Rules Upfront

Super Bowl LX could easily go to overtime (both teams boast top-tier defenses).

Mistake: Assuming everyone knows “final score” includes OT, or what happens if a quarter ends tied (0–0 square wins both?).

Fix: Explicitly state in your rules:

OT score counts toward final square only.
If a quarter ends 0–0, the 0–0 square wins that quarter’s prize.
No refunds/changes once numbers are assigned.

Include this language in your printable setup-download our updated Free Printable Super Bowl Squares Template 2026: Patriots vs Seahawks which already includes clear rules, OT notes, and rematch-specific tips.

4. Poor Randomization or Using a “Quick” Method

Mistake: Drawing numbers from a hat with only half the squares sold, or letting the host pick “randomly” (human bias creeps in). Or worse-assigning numbers before all squares are claimed.

Fix: Always randomize after 100% of squares are sold and paid. Best methods:

Use an online randomizer or our Squares Generator (provably fair and instant).
For in-person: Write numbers on slips, shuffle in a bag, draw publicly.

Randomization is especially important in a rematch game-low scores mean fewer big digit swings, so every square has a real shot.

5. Ignoring Prop Twists or Add-Ons for Extra Engagement

Mistake: Running a plain squares pool and missing the chance to keep the party alive during commercials, halftime, or low-scoring stretches.

Fix: Add simple prop side pots (e.g., Bad Bunny first song, Drake Maye rushing TD, “8-4” digit nod to XLIX). These cost little extra but boost fun and buy-in.

Bonus Tip for 2026: Embrace the Rematch Angle

In a defense-first game like this one (Patriots postseason grit + Seahawks shutdown unit), expect more 3s, 7s, 0s, and low totals. Don’t sleep on squares like 0–0, 3–0, or 7–3 early-randomization protects everyone, but awareness adds strategy.

Avoid these five pitfalls and your Super Bowl LX pool will run smoothly, fairly, and memorably. Download everything you need below:

Have you made any of these mistakes before? If you’re just ready to move on to the 2026-27 NF regular season, we’ll keep you updated on the schedule progress for each team too.

(Last updated: January 26, 2026)

Laurie Marion author

Laurie Marion is a dedicated hockey and college football enthusiast on the Sports Brackets team. A lifelong Boston Bruins fan and proud supporter of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Big Ten, she covers schedules, brackets, playoffs, and more with passion and expertise.

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