The Big Game usually brings family and friends together to watch and cheer on favorite teams. Adults often participate in gambling pools which can make the game even more fun to watch in hopes of a big payout. This year’s game day will likely feel different without big watch parties, but there are still lots of ways to have good family fun with food and games!
We created a traditional squares pool grid that our family is going to use for the game. If you are’t familiar with this, here’s how it works.
How to Play
The grid is 10×10 in the center with a header row and column reserved. First, each family member will take turns writing their names in an open square until all 100 squares are full. Then, using a random number generator, fill in the header row and column with numbers 0-9. The header row represents the NFC Team in the game and the header column represents the AFC Team.
At the end of each quarter, take the last digit of each team’s current score and find the coordinating square on the grid. (Shhhh…this is a fabulous hidden math lesson for the kids!) Whoever’s name is in that square wins whatever prize was predetermined for that quarter!
The Prizes
The traditional game is often tied to money, but we decided as a family to come up with non-monetary prizes. Here are our family’s prizes:
1st Quarter – winner gets to pick the movie for Family Movie Night
2nd Quarter – winner gets to select the dinner menu for Family Movie Night
3rd Quarter – winner gets to pick the game for Family Game Night
4th Quarter – winner gets a “Week of You” and gets to pick the movie and game that week, as well as select the dinner menu for the entire week!
Your family can come up with whatever fun ideas your family might enjoy. In the end, the goal is to enjoy some good Family Standard Time!