What Is Spades?

Spades is a classic trick-taking card game played with four players in partnerships. It’s fast-paced, strategic, and fun for both casual and competitive players. The game uses a standard 52-card deck and the suit of Spades is always the trump suit.

Objective of the Game

The main goal in Spades is for teams to accurately bid how many tricks they will take in each round and then try to meet or exceed their bid to score points.

Basic Rules of Spades

• Players: 4 players in 2 teams (partners sit opposite).
• Deck: Standard 52-card deck (no jokers).
• Trump Suit: Spades (always trump).
• Dealing: Each player gets 13 cards.
• Bidding: Each player bids the number of tricks they expect to win.
• Gameplay: Players must follow suit if possible. If they can’t, they may play a Spade to trump the trick.
• Winning a Trick: The highest card of the suit led wins the trick, unless a Spade is played, which trumps it.

Scoring

Teams score points by meeting or exceeding their combined bid. Common scoring rules:

• +10 points per trick bid and made.
• -10 points for each trick bid and missed.
• +1 point per extra trick (sandbags); -100 points for every 10 sandbags.
• Nil Bid: +100 if successful, -100 if not.

Winning the Game

The game is usually played to 500 points. The team that reaches or exceeds 500 first wins. If both teams go over in the same round, the higher score wins.

Tips for Playing Spades

• Keep track of the cards that have been played.
• Don’t overbid unless you’re sure you can make the tricks.
• Use Nil strategically—especially when holding low cards.
• Communicate with your partner through your bidding and play (no talking!).