Super Bowl Party Games You Can Play During Commercials

Super Bowl commercials create natural pauses in the game when everyone is already talking, reacting, and looking up from their food. That makes them the ideal window for party games that feel spontaneous instead of planned.

The key is choosing games that live entirely inside the commercial breaks. Nothing that requires constant attention, complicated rules, or supplies that pull people away from the screen. The best Super Bowl commercial games are easy to join, easy to skip, and easy to reset once the game comes back on.

Below are simple party games that fit naturally into commercial breaks, along with exactly what you need to have on hand.

Commercial Bingo turns familiar Super Bowl ad themes into a low pressure background game.

Players watch for common moments like celebrity appearances, talking animals, emotional storylines, car ads, or movie trailers. When one shows up during a commercial break, they mark it off.

What you need

Printed bingo cards or a shared list on phones. Pens, coins, or anything that can be used to mark a square. A small prize is optional.

Why it works during commercials

The commercials are the entire game. When play resumes, bingo naturally fades into the background.

How long it takes

It can run quietly throughout the game or only during select breaks.

The Super Bowl Left Right Game

The Left Right Game works especially well at Super Bowl parties because it creates a shared moment without demanding everyone’s attention. One wrapped prize is passed left or right as a short story is read aloud, with references to football moments, commercials, snacks, halftime, and crowd reactions. Each time the word “left” or “right” appears, the prize is passed accordingly. When the story ends, whoever is holding the item keeps it.

What you need

One wrapped prize and a printed or digital Left Right story. Players do not need paper or pens.

Why it works during commercials

The story can be read during a single break or paused and continued across multiple commercials without disrupting the game.

How long it takes

One to two commercial breaks.

Guess the Next Commercial Category

This is one of the easiest games to explain mid party.

Before a commercial break starts, each person guesses what type of ad will appear first. Common guesses include food, cars, beer, insurance, streaming services, or movie trailers. When the first commercial airs, the round ends.

What you need

Nothing required. Guesses can be called out loud.

Optional

Paper and pen if you want to track winners.

Why it works during commercials

It starts and ends inside one break, so it never drags on or interrupts gameplay.

How long it takes

Less than a minute.

First Commercial After Kickoff

This is a one time game that works best early in the night.

Before kickoff, everyone guesses what the very first commercial will be for. Closest guess wins.

What you need

Nothing at all.

Why it works during commercials

It is over immediately and never competes with the game again.

How long it takes

Seconds.

Halftime Reset Game

Halftime commercials are longer, louder, and more theatrical. This is the moment when people are already focused on something other than the score.

Simple halftime guesses work well, such as

• First visible sponsor logo

• Number of costume changes

• Opening song or musical style

What you need

Nothing required.

Optional

Paper and pen if you want to keep track or offer a small prize.

Why it works during commercials

Halftime is already a break from gameplay, so people are more open to a slightly bigger group moment.

How long it takes

Halftime only.

Why Commercial Break Games Work Better Than Full Party Games

Most Super Bowl guests are not looking for structured activities. They want the game on, food nearby, and something light to laugh about.

Commercial break games succeed because they

• Respect the game itself

• Let people opt in without pressure

• Require little explanation

• Reset energy without taking over the room

That is why searches for games you can play during commercials appear so consistently every year.

Keep It Simple

If you are hosting, choose one or two games at most. Too many activities make the party feel managed instead of relaxed.

If you want to be prepared without overplanning, the only things worth having on hand are

• One wrapped prize•

A saved Left Right story•

A few pens and scrap paper

Everything else can be played out loud, on the fly, while the commercials roll.

Super Bowl party games work best when they fit the rhythm of the game. Commercial breaks create built in pauses where people are already laughing, talking, and paying attention, which makes them the easiest moment to add something fun without pulling focus away from the action.

By choosing games that stay inside those breaks, you avoid overplanning and keep the party relaxed. Whether it is a quick guess, a simple bingo card, or a short Left Right game, these small moments give people something to enjoy while the commercials roll and then let the game take over again.

If you are hosting, the goal is not to entertain nonstop. It is to create an easy, comfortable atmosphere where people can watch the game, enjoy each other, and have a few light moments in between.

FAQ

What are some fun Super Bowl party games?

Fun Super Bowl party games are short, easy to explain, and do not interrupt the game. The most popular options include commercial bingo, quick guessing games, and simple pass along games like the Left Right game.

What games can you play during Super Bowl commercials?

The best games to play during Super Bowl commercials are ones that start and finish within a single commercial break. These include guessing the next commercial category, commercial bingo, and short read aloud games played entirely during ads.

How do you make a Super Bowl party fun without planning games?

You can make a Super Bowl party fun by keeping the focus on the game and adding one or two optional activities during commercials. Low effort games during ad breaks add energy without creating pressure or interrupting gameplay.

Are Super Bowl party games better during commercials or halftime?

Super Bowl party games work best during commercials because they fit into natural breaks in the game. Halftime is better suited for one larger activity, while commercials allow for quick, flexible games throughout the night.

Do you need supplies for Super Bowl party games?

Most Super Bowl party games require no supplies. Verbal guessing games can be played without preparation. Optional items include printed bingo cards, a Left Right story, and pens if you want to track guesses.