How Basketball Squares Work
Basketball squares pools use a 10×10 grid (100 squares). Winners are determined by the last digit of each team's score at the end of each quarter.
Scoring Mechanics
Grid Setup
A 10×10 grid with row numbers 0-9 on the left (home team) and column numbers 0-9 on top (away team).
Last Digit Rule
After each quarter, take the last digit of each team's score. Row = home team's last digit, Column = away team's last digit.
Winner Determination
The square at the intersection is the winner for that quarter.
Example
If the score is Lakers 52, Celtics 48 after Q1: Row = 2, Column = 8. The owner of square (2,8) wins the Q1 payout.
Game Checkpoints & Payouts
Basketball pools typically have payouts at these checkpoints:
1st Quarter
End of first quarter (12 min)
Halftime (2nd Quarter)
End of first half (24 min)
3rd Quarter
End of third quarter (36 min)
Final Score
End of game (48 min)
Key Points
- ✓ The same square can win multiple times (once per quarter)
- ✓ High-scoring games create more unpredictable outcomes
- ✓ Scores are updated by the pool host after each quarter
- ✓ Winners are determined automatically based on last digits
- ✓ Random numbers ensure fair square distribution
- ✓ Pool host manages payouts between participants