Kentucky Derby Squares turns the most exciting two minutes in sports into a party game everyone can play. The 152nd Run for the Roses goes off Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs, with a 20-horse field led by morning-line favorite Renegade at 4-1. Whether you are running an office pool or hosting a Derby party, the squares game gives every guest a reason to cheer, even if they cannot tell a colt from a gelding.
Below you can download two free printable templates: a simple 10×10 office pool grid and a 20×20 exacta grid for serious Derby parties. The full rules, prize options, and a worked example using the actual 2026 field are all included.
Kentucky Derby 2026 Quick Facts:
- Race: 152nd Kentucky Derby
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Venue: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
- Post Time: Approximately 6:57 p.m. ET
- TV Broadcast: NBC and Peacock (coverage starts at 2:30 p.m. ET)
- Field Size: 20 horses, plus 4 also-eligibles
- Morning-Line Favorite: Renegade (4-1, Post 1)
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles on dirt
Table of Contents
What is a Kentucky Derby Squares Game?
Kentucky Derby Squares is a grid-based party game inspired by Super Bowl Squares, but built around horse post positions instead of football scores. Each player picks one or more squares on a printed grid. Numbers are randomly assigned to the rows and columns after every square is taken. Once the race finishes, the post positions of the winning horse (and sometimes the second-place horse) determine which square wins the prize.
The game works because no horse racing knowledge is required. Casual guests have the same chances as serious racing fans. That makes it perfect for offices, family parties, and charity fundraisers.
Two Formats Explained
Unlike Super Bowl Squares, Kentucky Derby Squares has two common formats. Pick the one that fits your group size and how much complexity you want.
10×10 Office Pool Grid (Simple)
The 10×10 format uses a single grid of 100 squares numbered 0 through 9 across the top and 0 through 9 down the side. Only the last digit of the winning horse’s post position matters. Post 14 maps to digit 4, post 17 maps to digit 7, post 20 maps to digit 0. Since the Derby has 20 horses, every digit covers two horses, which keeps the chances balanced for all players.
This format is best for groups of 10 to 100 people. It is the standard choice for office pools because the rules are easy to explain in two sentences.
20×20 Exacta Grid (Advanced)
The 20×20 format uses a grid of 400 squares. The columns are labeled 1 through 20 (winning horse post position), and the rows are labeled 1 through 20 (second-place horse post position). The diagonal squares where the column and row numbers match are blacked out, because no horse can finish both first and second. That leaves 380 playable squares.
This format is best for big Derby parties and charity events with 50 or more participants. It produces an exacta-style winner that requires both first and second place to match, so the suspense lasts the entire race.
Which Format Should You Choose?
| Group size | Recommended format |
|---|---|
| 10 to 30 people | 10×10 office pool |
| 30 to 100 people | 10×10 office pool, multiple sheets |
| 50 to 380 people | 20×20 exacta grid |
| Mixed crowd, casual | 10×10 office pool |
| Serious Derby fans | 20×20 exacta grid |
Free Printable Kentucky Derby Squares PDF Downloads
Both templates are free to download and print. They are sized for standard 8.5 x 11 letter paper and work with any home printer. No email signup required.
- 10×10 Kentucky Derby Squares (Office Pool): Download PDF
- 20×20 Kentucky Derby Exacta Squares (Party): Download PDF
Round out your Derby day setup with two more free downloads. The Kentucky Derby 2026 Program PDF gives you the full race day schedule, post times, and pre-Derby races at Churchill Downs.
The Printable List of Kentucky Derby 2026 Horses covers the complete 20-horse field with post positions, trainers, jockeys, and morning-line odds. Both are free, print-ready, and update each year for the latest field.
How to Play Kentucky Derby Squares: Step by Step
The same five steps apply to both formats. Follow them in order and the game runs itself.
Step 1: Print the grid. Print enough copies for everyone to see. One large display copy on the wall plus a smaller reference copy for the game host works well.
Step 2: Fill the squares. Set a fixed entry amount that fits your group’s preferences. Many casual party games use small symbolic amounts to keep participation fun and inclusive. Players write their initials in any open square. Allow players to claim multiple squares if they want more chances. Keep going until every square is filled.
Step 3: Wait until the grid is completely full. This is the most important rule. Never assign numbers before the grid is full, because anyone who knows the numbers could pick favorable squares. Filling the grid first removes any advantage and keeps the game fair for everyone.
Step 4: Randomly assign the numbers. Write the digits (0 through 9 for the 10×10 grid, or 1 through 20 for the 20×20 grid) on small slips of paper. Pull them from a hat one at a time and assign them to the columns first, then the rows. Mark the numbers on the printed grid in front of everyone, so the process is transparent.
Step 5: Determine the winner. After the race, find the post position of the winning horse (and the second-place horse for the 20×20 grid). The square where those numbers intersect wins the prize. Award the prize immediately so the celebration starts on the spot.
Worked Example Using the 2026 Field
Imagine Renegade (post 1) wins and Commandment (post 6) finishes second.
- 10×10 grid result: Last digit of post 1 is 1. The winning square is the column or row labeled 1. Whoever owns that square wins.
- 20×20 grid result: Column 1 (winner) intersects row 6 (second place). The square at column 1, row 6 wins.
If Further Ado (post 18) wins instead and The Puma (post 9) places second, the 10×10 winning digit becomes 8 and the 20×20 winning square becomes column 18, row 9.
Prize Distribution Options for Kentucky Derby Squares
How you distribute prizes depends on your group and how many winners you want. Here are three common options, ranging from simplest to most generous.
Single Winner Prize
One winner, one prize. The owner of the square matching the winning post position takes the full prize. This is the cleanest setup and the easiest to manage.
Top Three Distribution
Three winners share prizes based on the finishing order of the top three horses. A common split is 60% for first, 30% for second, and 10% for third. This format keeps more players engaged through the entire race because the field stays in play longer.
Quarter Distribution
Four equal prizes of 25% each, awarded to the squares matching the post positions of the first, second, third, and fourth-place finishers. This works best with larger 20×20 grids and gives more players a chance to win something.
What Happens If a Horse Scratches?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby drew an overflow field of 24 horses. The 20 horses with the most points start, and four are on the also-eligible list: #21 Great White, #22 Ocelli, #23 Robusta, and #24 Corona de Oro. Scratch time is 9:00 a.m. ET on Friday, May 1, 2026. If a horse scratches before that deadline, the field shifts inward by one post position and Great White draws into post 20. If a second horse scratches, Ocelli draws in.
This matters for your squares game because post position changes can shift which player owns the winning square. Decide your house rule before the race and announce it to all players. The two most common approaches are:
- Lock at original draw: Use the post positions assigned at the official draw. Scratches do not change the grid.
- Use final post positions: Use whatever post positions the horses actually break from on race day, including any inward shifts after scratches.
Most office games use the lock-at-draw method because it is simpler. Bigger Derby parties sometimes prefer the final-post-position method because it tracks the actual race.
2026 Kentucky Derby Field Reference
Here is the full 2026 Kentucky Derby field with post positions, trainers, jockeys, and official Churchill Downs morning-line projections (informational only). Pin this to your squares grid so players can root for their assigned horses.
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renegade | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 4-1 |
| 2 | Albus | Riley Mott | Manny Franco | 30-1 |
| 3 | Intrepido | Jeff Mullins | Hector Berrios | 50-1 |
| 4 | Litmus Test | Bob Baffert | Martin Garcia | 30-1 |
| 5 | Right to Party | Kenny McPeek | Christopher Elliott | 30-1 |
| 6 | Commandment | Brad Cox | Luis Saez | 6-1 |
| 7 | Danon Bourbon | Manabu Ikezoe | Atsuya Nishimura | 20-1 |
| 8 | So Happy | Mark Glatt | Mike Smith | 15-1 |
| 9 | The Puma | Gustavo Delgado | Javier Castellano | 10-1 |
| 10 | Wonder Dean (JPN) | Daisuke Takayanagi | Ryusei Sakai | 30-1 |
| 11 | Incredibolt | Riley Mott | Jaime Torres | 20-1 |
| 12 | Chief Wallabee | Bill Mott | Junior Alvarado | 8-1 |
| 13 | Silent Tactic | Mark Casse | Cristian Torres | 20-1 |
| 14 | Potente | Bob Baffert | Juan Hernandez | 20-1 |
| 15 | Emerging Market | Chad Brown | Flavien Prat | 15-1 |
| 16 | Pavlovian | Doug O’Neill | Edwin Maldonado | 30-1 |
| 17 | Six Speed | Bhupat Seemar | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 50-1 |
| 18 | Further Ado | Brad Cox | John Velazquez | 6-1 |
| 19 | Golden Tempo | Cherie Devaux | Jose Ortiz | 30-1 |
| 20 | Fulleffort | Brad Cox | Tyler Gaffalione | 20-1 |
Also-eligible: #21 Great White, #22 Ocelli, #23 Robusta, #24 Corona de Oro.
Hosting Tips for Your Kentucky Derby Squares Party
The squares game is the centerpiece, but a few small additions turn it into a memorable party. Get squares filled early in the afternoon so guests have time to socialize before the race. Display the grid where everyone can see it, and keep a marker handy to update it in real time. Pair the game with mint juleps, a Best Hat contest, and the official NBC broadcast for the full Derby experience.
For office games, share the grid by email a week ahead so people can pick their squares without disrupting work. Announce the winner on Monday morning with a small ceremony. The cost is low and the team-building value is high.
2026 Kentucky Derby Squares FAQ
How does Kentucky Derby Squares work?
Players claim squares on a printed grid. After every square is filled, numbers are randomly assigned to the rows and columns. The post position of the winning horse determines which square wins the prize. The 10×10 format uses only the last digit of the post position, while the 20×20 format uses both the winning horse and the second-place horse.
How many squares should I include?
Use every square on the grid. The 10×10 grid has 100 squares and the 20×20 grid has 380 playable squares (after blackouts). If you cannot fill the grid, reduce the entry amount or let players claim multiple squares so the entire grid is covered before the race.
What if a horse is disqualified after the race?
Most games follow the official Churchill Downs result. If a horse is disqualified and the order of finish changes, the squares game typically follows the revised order. Set this rule with all players before the race so there is no confusion later.
Can I run a Kentucky Derby Squares game at my workplace or party?
Casual squares games among friends, family, and coworkers are generally permitted in most U.S. states, but local rules vary. Charity events typically require a permit. Check the rules in your state or workplace policy before running a large public game. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Can I play Kentucky Derby Squares with fewer than 100 people?
Yes. Smaller groups can still use the 10×10 grid by allowing each player to claim multiple squares. With 10 players claiming 10 squares each, every square gets covered. You can also print three smaller games per sheet so each one has its own grid.
10×10 vs 20×20: which should I choose?
Choose the 10×10 grid for office games, small parties, and casual groups. Choose the 20×20 grid for big Derby parties, charity events, and groups of serious horse racing fans. The 20×20 grid produces a single big-prize exacta winner, while the 10×10 grid produces a quicker, simpler outcome.
How is Kentucky Derby Squares different from Super Bowl Squares?
The grid setup is identical, but the winning trigger is different. Super Bowl Squares uses the last digit of each team’s score at the end of every quarter. Kentucky Derby Squares uses the post position of the winning horse, with one winner determined at the end of the single race. Derby Squares is also faster, since the race lasts about two minutes instead of four hours.
Final tip: Print your squares grid the morning of the race so you have the latest scratch news. Fill every square before assigning numbers, announce your scratch and disqualification rules in advance, and award the prize the moment the race ends. That is the formula for a Derby Squares game people will remember and ask to join again next year.