The Object of the game was played as Tic-Tac-Toe. 3 squares across, up & down or diagonally or acquire the squares as they can (i.e.: 5 squares). 2 Contestants (1 Returning Champion and also in the ergo of "Miss Circle" 'The O' for women & "Mr. X" 'The X' for men) take turns to pick one star (square). In order to win a square, The contestant will determine when the star to get the correct answer or make one up as he or she agree or disagree the answer will be correct or wrong with their own marks of 'Xs' and 'Os.' The 1st contestant to complete the game wins $200 and completing the 2-out-of-3 match as well that wins $400. The Champion completes 10 games=5 matches wins $2000 and a new car. (From October 17, 1966 to February 10, 1967: The contestant will win $100 for the game and $200+$300=$500 for the match. The Champion will completes 8 games=4 matches wins $2000 and the new automobile.) $300 per game for the 1968 NBC Nighttime Portion and $250 for the Syndicated Portion. For the 1st or 2nd game of the match is "The Secret Square": The contestant that picked that same square wins a prize package valued from $1000 to so on ($2000-$7000 for Syndicated Purposes). On January 5-9, 1976: "The Bonus Squares" were introduced on the program where 1 square has one of these prizes in a concealed envelope and ranged from merchandise prizes to $5000 cash. On January 3-7, 1977: "The Whole Thing" were also introduced where all the prize package worth $25,000+ in cash and prizes for 5 completed Matches for Miss Circle (O) & Mr. X (X). Contestants must compete until defeated.

Celebrities were not required to give the right answers for any questions. They were briefed before each show to help them with possible bluff answers, but were hearing the actual questions for the first time when each show was taped. Certain celebrities were often asked questions pertaining to specific categories. For example, Paul Lynde frequently got loaded questions just so he could come up with an initial funny response.

Peter Marshall:
What are "dual-purpose cattle" good for that other cattle aren't?


Paul Lynde:
They give milk... and cookies, but I don't recommend the cookies.

Performed by the Jimmie Haskell Orchestra from 1966 to 1970
(We're THE HOLLYWOOD SQUARES No.1)