How to Play Spades

Rules and tips for Spades, for first-time players.

How to play Spades

1
Four players in two teams; partners sit across from each other. Everyone is dealt 13 cards.
2
First, each player bids how many tricks they expect to take. A bid of 0 is Nil: a promise to take no tricks.
3
The player to the dealer's left leads. Everyone must follow suit if they can; only if you have none of that suit can you play another card.
4
Spades are trump: a spade beats any card of another suit. If spades are played, the highest spade wins the trick.
5
You can't lead spades until a spade has been played (unless you only have spades).
6
If your team takes at least its combined bid, you score 10 × the bid, plus 1 point for each extra trick (a bag). If not, you lose 10 × the bid.
7
Every 10 bags costs your team 100 points, so don't take too many.
8
Nil scores +100 if that player takes no tricks, or −100 if they take any. Tricks taken by a failed Nil count as bags for the team.
9
The game ends when a team reaches 500 points (play continues on a tie).

Tips to win

Count about one trick for each ace and each high spade, then bid a little on the safe side.
If your partner is already winning the trick, play low to avoid bags.
Voiding a suit early lets you trump it with a spade later.
Nil is worth a lot, but avoid it when you hold several high cards.

Play Spades →

FAQ

Is Spades free to play?

Yes, and there's no sign-up. Play right in your browser on a phone, tablet or computer.

Who am I playing with?

Three computer players. The computer sitting across from you (North) is your partner.

Can I continue later?

Yes. Your game is saved on your device, so just open the page again.

What are bags?

Tricks taken beyond your bid. Each is worth 1 point, but every 10 bags costs 100 points.

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