Spades
Free online card game · Play the computer · No sign-up
Spades in a nutshell
Spades is a four-player card game played in two partnerships. Each player bids how many tricks they expect to win, and spades always beat the other suits. Make your team's bid to score points, and the first team to 500 wins.
- Sit with your partner. Four players form two teams. Partners sit opposite each other.
- Deal 13 cards each. Deal the whole pack so everyone has 13 cards.
- Bid your tricks. Each player says how many tricks they think they will win. Partners' bids are added together to make the team's contract.
- Follow suit. Players take turns playing one card to each trick, and must follow the suit led if they can.
At a glance
- Players
- 4 players two teams of two
- Length
- 30 to 60 minutes a game to 500
- Equipment
- 52 cards one standard pack
- Learn it in
- 10 minutes bidding takes practice
Spades questions
What is a nil bid in Spades?
Bidding nil means you promise to win no tricks at all. If you succeed, your team scores a 100-point bonus. If you take even one trick, your team loses 100 points. Your partner's bid is scored separately.
What are bags in Spades?
Bags, or overtricks, are tricks your team wins beyond its bid. Each one scores 1 point, but every 10 bags you collect costs your team 100 points.
Who leads first in Spades?
Usually the player to the dealer's left leads the first trick. Some groups require the 2 of clubs to be led first instead.
Can you lead spades at any time?
No. You may only lead a spade once spades have been broken, meaning a spade has been played on an earlier trick, or if you have nothing but spades.
What happens if both teams reach 500?
The team with the higher score wins. If the scores are tied, keep playing hands until one team is ahead.
