Prefer learning by video? Click here.
These are the rules for Spades, a classic card game enjoyed by millions. Whether you’re looking to play Spades Online with friends or just learn the basics, understanding these rules is your first step to mastering the game. These rules are adapted from John McLeod’s pagat.com, a comprehensive resource for card game rules. (C) John McLeod, 2011 – reprinted with permission.
The Teams in Spades Online
When playing Spades online or in person, the game involves four players forming fixed partnerships. Partners sit opposite each other at the virtual or real table. Gameplay and dealing proceed in a clockwise direction, creating a dynamic and engaging experience, especially when playing spades online with friends.
Rank of Cards in Spades
A standard 52-card deck is used for Spades. Understanding card ranking is crucial for successful play, particularly in online spades environments where quick decisions are often needed. Cards are ranked from highest to lowest within each suit: Ace (A), King (K), Queen (Q), Jack (J), 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.
Dealing Cards in Spades Games
In Spades, the initial dealer is chosen randomly. In subsequent games, the deal rotates clockwise. To begin a round of spades online or offline, the cards are shuffled thoroughly. Then, starting with the player to the dealer’s left, cards are dealt one at a time in a clockwise rotation until all 52 cards are distributed, resulting in each player holding 13 cards. This precise dealing process ensures fairness in every hand of spades, whether played online or face-to-face.
Bidding Strategies in Spades Online
Bidding in Spades is a key element that adds strategic depth to the game, especially when you play spades online against skilled opponents. In Spades online or in person, all four players must bid a number of tricks. Each team’s bid is the sum of their partners’ individual bids. This total represents the minimum number of tricks the team must win to achieve a positive score. Bidding starts with the player to the dealer’s left and proceeds clockwise around the table. Every player must make a bid, any number from 0 to 13 theoretically. Unlike some bidding games, Spades doesn’t require each bid to be higher than the previous one, and passing is not allowed. Bids are final once made, with no second bidding round.
Example: South deals; West bids 3; North bids 1; East bids 4; South bids 4. North and South must win at least 5 tricks (1+4), while East and West aim for at least 7 tricks (3+4).
A Nil bid in Spades online or offline is a declaration of bidding 0 tricks. A player bidding Nil asserts they will not win any tricks during the hand. Successfully bidding Nil earns a bonus, while failing results in a penalty. The Nil bidder’s partner still aims to achieve their bid. You cannot bid ‘no tricks’ without specifically bidding Nil; the minimum non-Nil bid is 1. Mastering Nil bids can be a game-changer when playing spades online, adding risk and reward to your strategy.
Playing a Hand of Spades Online
The player to the dealer’s left initiates the first trick by leading any card except a spade. In online spades, this is done with a simple click or tap. Each player, in clockwise order, must follow suit if possible; if unable, they can play any card. This rule of following suit is fundamental in Spades, whether you are engaged in a fast-paced online game or a relaxed in-person match.
A trick is won by the highest spade played if any spades are in the trick. If no spades are played, the trick is won by the highest card of the suit led. The winner of each trick leads the next trick. Spades cannot be led until spades are “broken,” meaning a spade has been played previously (when a player couldn’t follow suit on a lead of another suit), or if the leader has only spades remaining in their hand. “Breaking” spades is a tactical moment in Spades, often influencing the hand’s direction, especially in online play where game pace can be quick.
A Boston in Spades occurs when one team captures all 13 tricks in a round. Achieving a Boston is a significant feat and can dramatically impact the game’s score, making it a thrilling objective in both online and offline spades.
Image: Digital playing cards used in online Spades games, enhancing the visual experience.
Spades Scoring System
Scoring in Spades is crucial to understand whether you’re playing spades online for points or fun. A team that wins at least the number of tricks they bid scores 10 points for each trick bid. Overtricks (extra tricks beyond the bid) are worth 1 point each.
Sandbagging Rule: Overtricks are also known as bags. Accumulating 10 or more bags across multiple deals results in a 100-point deduction. Excess bags beyond ten carry over to the next cycle; for instance, 20 bags incur another 100-point penalty, and so on. Managing bags is a key strategic element in long-term Spades gameplay, particularly in online tournaments and leagues.
Example: A team with 337 points and 7 bags bids 5 tricks. Winning 7 tricks earns them 52 points, increasing their score to 389 and bags to 9. Winning 8 tricks earns 53 points but incurs a 100-point penalty for reaching 10 bags, dropping their score to 290 (337 + 53 – 100). Winning 9 tricks earns 54 points with a 100-point penalty, resulting in a score of 291.
Failing to make the bid results in a penalty of 10 points for each undertrick (trick short of the bid).
A successful Nil bid awards 100 bonus points to the Nil bidder’s team, in addition to points earned (or lost) by the partner’s bid. A failed Nil bid (taking at least one trick) penalizes the team by 100 points, although the partner still scores for their bid. Tricks taken by a failed Nil bidder count as bags but do not contribute to fulfilling the partner’s bid.
The first team to reach 500 points wins the game of Spades. If both teams exceed 500 points in the same deal, the team with the higher score is the winner. This target score adds a competitive edge to every online spades match.
About Spades Online and CardGames.io
Image: Einar Egilsson, the creator of this online Spades game, showcasing the personal touch behind CardGames.io.
This online Spades game is created by Einar Egilsson, the person you see pictured. Spades is the fourth card game he has developed, joining Hearts, Shithead, and Crazy Eights in his collection of online card games. Spades stands out as his first team-based game, presenting unique programming challenges to ensure a smart and engaging partner AI for solo online play. He hopes ‘Bill’, your AI partner, is intelligent enough to be a satisfying companion in your online Spades adventures!
The game is built using html+JavaScript+css, with jQuery enhancing the animations for a smooth online spades experience. All game graphics are sourced from OpenClipArt, a repository of free graphics. Special thanks to Nicu Buculei for the excellent card images and Gerald G for the player avatars.
Contact CardGames.io for Spades Online Support
For any comments, bug reports, questions, or support related to spades online or other games, please email [email protected]. While we strive to respond to as many inquiries as possible, response times may vary. For quick questions, our FAQ might offer immediate answers. Join our Facebook community group to connect with other players and find community support.
You can also find CardGames.io on:
This is version 1.29.2 of Spades.
This website uses cookies to store game data, preferences, and for analytics and advertising. More details are in our Privacy Policy. Cookie Settings.
Cardgames.io is owned and operated by Rauðás Games ehf. All rights reserved.
