Spades at a glance
Spades is a partnership game of promises. Bid how many tricks you expect to win, then work with the player opposite you to deliver that total. Spades are always trump, so a low spade can beat a high card from another suit.
- Players
- 4 · Two teams
- Deck
- 52 cards
- Trump
- Always spades
- Target
- 500 points
How to play Spades online
Play free in your browser, with no download or account required. Choose the kind of table you want to join.
Practice with computers
Choose Play with computers and a pace: Relaxed, Friendly, or Quick. Use Hint when you need help finding a move.
Invite your friends
Choose Invite friends and share Copy invite or the room code. Friends join through Have an invite? The host can fill empty seats with computers.
Find an online opponent
Choose Find online players to look for other people. If no matching players are available, you can practice with computers instead.
Computer games also need an internet connection. The table handles dealing, legal moves, and scoring. These rules describe the version played here; other tables may use different house rules.
Rules of Spades
Partners, deal, and bids
Partners sit opposite. Each player receives thirteen cards and bids zero to thirteen tricks. A zero bid is nil: taking no tricks earns one hundred, but taking any loses one hundred.
Playing a trick
Follow suit if possible. Spades trump other suits, and cannot be led until broken unless you hold only spades. The highest trump, or highest card of the led suit, wins.
Scoring and winning
Contracts, bags, and nil
Make the combined non-nil bid for ten points per bid trick plus one per overtrick. Miss it and lose ten per bid trick. Ten accumulated overtricks cost one hundred. Nil tricks do not fulfill the partnership bid.
Winning the match
Reach five hundred to win, or lose at minus two hundred. A tied winning score needs another hand.
How to get better at Spades
Bid dependable winners
Start with likely high-card winners, then consider trump length and short suits. A king in a short suit may be less secure than it looks.
Protect a partner’s nil
When your partner bids zero, lead and cover with their safety in mind. Winning an extra trick yourself can be better than forcing their first trick.
Count the bags
Overtricks bring a small reward but ten bags cost 100 points. Once the contract is safe, compare that risk with the need to stop your opponents.
Let a winning partner win
Avoid spending a high trump when your partner already holds the trick unless you have a clear reason. Save control for later.
Frequently asked questions
What is a nil bid?
A bid of zero is nil. Taking no tricks earns your team 100 points; taking any costs 100. A nil bidder’s tricks do not help fulfill their partner’s bid.
When can I lead spades?
Spades must first be broken by being played on another suit’s trick, unless your remaining hand contains only spades.
What are bags?
They are tricks taken beyond the partnership’s non-nil bid. Each scores one point, but every ten accumulated bags deduct 100 points.
Where does my partner sit?
Partners sit opposite each other. Choose an empty seat in the private waiting room to arrange teams before the deal.
Can I play Spades against computers?
Yes. Choose Play with computers at the table and select a computer pace. Private tables can also mix friends with computers. An internet connection is required.
How do I invite friends to Spades?
Choose Invite friends, then use Copy invite in the waiting room. Friends can open that link or enter the room code in Have an invite? The host can fill empty seats with computers.
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