MLB vs NFL Squares
Which sport makes for better squares pools?
Baseball squares bring daily excitement with more frequent winners, while football squares offer the classic weekly thrill. Learn which sport fits your group's style and preferences!
What Makes MLB Squares Special
MLB squares bring the excitement of squares pools to baseball, with some unique features that make them perfect for America's pastime. While they use the same grid concept as NFL squares, baseball's unique scoring patterns and game structure create a different kind of excitement.
How MLB Squares Work
| Aspect | NFL Squares | MLB Squares |
|---|---|---|
| Game Frequency | Weekly (Sunday games) | Daily (multiple games) |
| Typical Scores | 10-40 points per team | 0-15 runs per team |
| Common Score Endings | 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31, 34, 37 | 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Scoring Opportunities | Limited (touchdowns, field goals) | Frequent (hits, walks, home runs) |
| Winner Frequency | Quarterly + Final | Every half-inning + Final |
| Strategy Complexity | Medium (predictable patterns) | High (more variables) |
NFL Squares Characteristics
Scoring Patterns: NFL scores follow predictable patterns due to the scoring system. Touchdowns are worth 6 points (plus extra point), field goals are worth 3 points, and safeties are worth 2 points. This creates common score endings of 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31, 34, and 37.
Game Flow: NFL games have distinct quarters, making it easy to have multiple winning opportunities. The scoring is relatively low and controlled, making certain score combinations more likely than others.
Strategy: NFL squares strategy often involves focusing on common score endings and understanding team tendencies. High-scoring teams might favor certain score ranges, while defensive teams might favor lower scores.
MLB Squares Characteristics
Scoring Patterns: Baseball scores are more evenly distributed across the 0-9 range, with each digit being equally likely. This makes MLB squares more unpredictable and less dependent on specific score endings.
Game Flow: Baseball games have 9 innings (or more in extra innings), providing many more scoring opportunities throughout the game. This creates more excitement and more frequent chances to win jelly beans.
Strategy: MLB squares require more analysis of team statistics, pitcher matchups, ballpark factors, and weather conditions. The scoring is less predictable, making it more of a true game of chance.
The Excitement of Half-Inning Scoring
One of the most exciting features of MLB squares is that winners are determined after every half-inning! This means you have up to 18 chances to win jelly beans during a typical 9-inning game (top and bottom of each inning), plus the final score.
Grid Shifting Feature: To keep the game exciting even during scoreless innings, MLB squares can optionally shift the grid numbers by one every half-inning. This means that even when there's no scoring for several innings, the squares game remains dynamic and engaging!
For example, if the grid starts with 0-9 on the axes, after the first half-inning it might shift to 1-0, then 2-1, and so on. This ensures that every half-inning brings new winning possibilities, keeping players engaged throughout the entire game.
Why MLB Squares Are So Exciting
MLB squares bring a unique excitement to baseball that traditional fans and casual viewers alike can enjoy:
Constant Action
• Up to 18 chances to win jelly beans per game (every half-inning)
• Grid shifting keeps the game dynamic even during scoreless innings
• More chances to win means more excitement throughout the game
Perfect for Baseball's Pace
• Baseball's slower pace becomes an advantage with frequent payouts
• Every pitch, hit, and run becomes more meaningful
• Great way to stay engaged during longer games
Daily Entertainment
• Multiple games every day during the season
• Perfect for office pools, family gatherings, or daily entertainment
• Combines the strategy of squares with the daily drama of baseball
Strategy Tips for Each Type
NFL Squares Strategy:
• Focus on common score endings (0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31, 34, 37)
• Consider team offensive and defensive rankings
• Pay attention to weather conditions (wind affects field goals)
• Look at recent scoring trends for both teams
• Consider the point spread and over/under totals
MLB Squares Strategy:
• Study team batting averages and run production
• Consider pitcher matchups and ERA
• Factor in ballpark dimensions and weather
• Look at recent team performance trends
• Consider the over/under run totals for the game