Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Setting up the game
• Tips

Spades (also called spade chasing) is a fun card game in which teamwork, strategy and being able to predict (bidding) play a role. All you need to play Spades is a regular 52 card deck. Once you've learned the rules, playing Spades is a breeze!

To step

Part 1 of 2: Setting up the game

1. Divide the players into pairs. Spades is played with four players. These four players must be divided into pairs. If there are additional players, play a tournament with matches so that the pairs can play against each other.
2. Determine the winning score that indicates the end of the game. Before you start playing, determine the winning score that will end the game. This score is usually 500, or another is usually a multiple of 100. Players can determine whether it is lower or higher than 500, depending on how long they want the game to last.
3. Add your scores after all 13 tricks have been played. Count the total number of tricks you have won with your partner. If you met your "contract" bid (your prediction), multiply that number by 10. If you did not meet that number, your team will be penalized by that number.
   • Successful "zero" (misery) predictions will score 100 points, while unsuccessful predictions will result in a 100 point penalty.

Tips

• Don't try to outdo your partner, as that will be counterproductive.
• Remember that spades are trumps and will defeat any other suit.
• Be careful bidding (predicting) more tricks than you think you can win just to get extra points. Those extra points ("bags") may seem desirable, but if you collect 10 in a game, 100 points will be deducted from your score.