Guides
Run any pool like you've done it before
Plain-language rulebooks for every format we make a tool for — how to set up, how to score, and the small rules that prevent big arguments. Every guide links a free template you can use right now.
The complete guide to running an NFL pool: pick'em vs survivor vs squares, scoring systems that work, deadlines, and free templates — no signup needed.
Read the guide →Run a 68-team bracket pool the right way: scoring by round, upset bonuses, tiebreakers, deadlines, and a free fillable bracket template — printable or online.
Read the guide →How single-elimination brackets work: seeding rules, byes, bracket sizes 4–64 teams, and free printable or online templates for any tournament.
Read the guide →How double-elimination brackets work: winners' and losers' brackets, the grand final reset, bye handling, and free printable or online templates for 4–32 teams.
Read the guide →How football squares pools work: grid setup, random number assignment, quarter payouts, 100/25/50-square variants, and free printable or shared online grids.
Read the guide →How survivor (eliminator) pools work: one pick per week, no repeats, strike rules, strategy by pool size, and a free tracker with used-team locking.
Read the guide →How to run a pick'em pool: straight-up vs confidence scoring, tiebreakers, deadlines, weekly vs season prizes, and free auto-scored weekly pick sheets.
Read the guide →Run an office pool that runs itself: squares, pick'em and bracket formats, deadline discipline, the money red line, boss-proof fairness, and free templates.
Read the guide →Run a family pool everyone can play — grandma to the kids: the simplest formats, one-page rules, group-chat links with no signup, and free printable grids.
Read the guide →Run a bar pool that fills itself: QR-code entry from any stool, standings on the big screen, squares and same-night pick'em, and prizes handled by the house.
Read the guide →Run a classroom-safe bracket or squares pool: no money ever, teacher-run, simple vocabulary, and the probability lessons hiding inside a tournament.
Read the guide →For entertainment purposes only. MatchupKing is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the NCAA, any conference, team, broadcaster, or league. Team and event names are used for identification purposes only; all trademarks are the property of their respective owners. No affiliation or endorsement is implied.
We never collect, hold, or pay out money — prizes between friends are yours to organize offline.