Start with the kind of group you have
Before you choose a format, think about what your group actually wants. Are you setting up a season-long competition with experienced fans? Are you organizing something casual for coworkers? Or are you running a quick game for a watch party?
- Choose Pick'em if your group wants the easiest season-long format.
- Choose Confidence if your group likes strategy and weekly risk-reward decisions.
- Choose Squares if your group wants a simple one-game format anyone can join.
Related
Need the full breakdown of each format first? Start with the individual explainers.
Pick'em is best for beginners and mixed-skill groups
If your group wants something easy to understand, Pick'em is usually the right answer. Everyone makes picks, everyone follows the same slate, and scoring stays simple.
- Best for: office pools, family groups, first-time players, and season-long play.
- Why it works: people can join without learning a lot of rules upfront.
- What to expect: steady weekly engagement without too much complexity.
If your group is brand new to pools, regular Pick'em is the safest place to start.
Confidence is best for groups that want more strategy
Confidence pools work well when your players want more than simple winner picks. Ranking games by confidence adds a layer of skill and gives each week more swings in the standings.
- Best for: experienced fans, competitive groups, and players who like debating weekly matchups.
- Why it works: it rewards not just being right, but being right in the right spots.
- What to expect: bigger leaderboard movement and more strategy each week.
If your group already knows the basics of Pick'em and wants the next step, Confidence pools are usually the upgrade.
Squares are best for parties, big games, and casual participation
Squares are the easiest format to drop into a one-game event. They do not require weekly picks, deep football knowledge, or much time from players.
- Best for: Super Bowl parties, rivalry games, fundraisers, and casual social groups.
- Why it works: anyone can participate, even if they do not follow football closely.
- What to expect: quick setup, simple rules, and lots of in-game excitement.
For one-off events or watch parties, football squares are usually the easiest fit.
When spreads make sense
Spreads are not a separate pool type by themselves. They are a rules layer you can add to Pick'em or Confidence if your group wants more challenge.
- Add spreads if your group wants favorites to have to prove more.
- Skip spreads if you want the easiest possible setup for beginners.
- Use them carefully for mixed groups, because they raise the learning curve a bit.
If you are considering ATS play, read more about how pool spreads work before you decide.
A quick way to decide
If you are stuck, use this simple guide:
- Mostly beginners: Pick'em
- Competitive regulars: Confidence
- One big event: Squares
- Want more difficulty: add spreads to Pick'em or Confidence
The right format is the one your group will actually enjoy and keep playing. Simpler usually wins if you are unsure.
Ready to set one up for your group?