The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Digital Squares Pool
Gone are the days of drawing shaky lines on poster board and trying to read messy handwriting. The 12 Crowns Squares Matrix digitizes the classic Game Bets party game, bringing automated math, instant payouts, and live read-only sharing to your event.
How the Matrix Works
If you are the host, this tool handles all the heavy lifting for you:
- Setting Up the Board: Enter the names of the two teams playing on the top and side axes. Set your "Cost" per square, and distribute the Pot Payout percentages (e.g., 20% for Q1, Q2, Q3, and 40% for the final score). The system automatically tracks the total pot value as squares are filled.
- Filling the Squares: Click into the grid and type the names or initials of the players buying squares. Wait until the board is completely full before generating numbers to keep it fair.
- The Randomizer: Once the board is locked in, hit the "Randomize" button. The engine will instantly generate a shuffled 0-9 axis for both teams. No pulling numbers from a hat required.
- Live Scoring & Payouts: As the game progresses, enter the final digit of each team's score at the end of each quarter into the "Live Scores" panel. The matrix will automatically highlight the winning square, display the winner's name, and calculate their exact cash payout below the board.
Sharing Your Live Board
You do not have to crowd around a single laptop. By clicking the "Share Link" button, the engine generates a highly compressed URL that contains an exact snapshot of your board.
- Send this link to your friends via text or group chat.
- When they open it, the matrix automatically locks into Read-Only Mode.
- They can view the grid, see their numbers, and check the Prop Engine, but they cannot edit names, change scores, or tamper with the board.
Level Up with the Prop Engine
To keep the game exciting between quarters, flip over to the Prop Engine tab. Prop bets are side-wagers on specific events happening in the game. You can set individual buy-ins for each prop, type player names into the "Left" or "Right" choice boxes, and hit "WIN" when the event occurs. It is an entirely separate pot of money that keeps engagement high all game long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine the winner of a quarter?
Winners are determined by the last digit of both teams' scores at the end of a quarter. For example, if the score is Chiefs 14, Eagles 17, you look for the square where the Chiefs column is "4" and the Eagles row is "7".
Does the Q4 score include overtime?
Usually, yes. In most standard house rules, the Q4 payout is awarded to the final score of the game, regardless of whether it ends in regulation or overtime. However, make sure you establish the house rules with your group before the game begins.
