How to Play Spades Card Game?

Spades card games have been popular in the US since the early 1900s. However, it was in the mid-1990s that it became popular across the world. With the introduction of spades online, the popularity of this card game grew manifold.

Playing spades games online is now a reality. Standardization of the rules was introduced that made the game easy to understand.  The spades card game is often played with four players as two teams. Partners sit opposite each other. There are two, three, and six-player versions of the spades game too.

Playing and dealing is clockwise; though the first dealer is randomly selected. The standard 52-card pack is used. After shuffling, cards are singly dealt with each player; starting from the player to the left of the dealer. The entire pack is dealt with by the players. The goal is to be the first team to reach 200 points.

Playing Rules and Guidelines

The rules of the spades card game are pretty simple. Players in a team add up their bids. Bidding starts with the first person that was dealt the cards. The bidding moves in a clockwise manner. A player wins ten times the amount of tricks he has placed a bid for.

●     Each player bids a number ranging from 0 to 13.

●     Each player can bid what he wants and is not allowed to pass.

●     The round is won by the person who plays the highest value card of the initially played suit.

●      If spades are played, the player with the highest value spade card is the winner.

●      The winner starts the next round. The winner is the one who has played the highest card in the lead suit or the highest spade.

●      A spade card is used to trump another trick or if the lead player is left with no other card suites other than spades. When a player plays the first spade, it is called ‘breaking’ spades. A spade, however small, is considered higher than the highest card in the lead suit.

●      A Nil is when a person bids 0 tricks. He doesn’t win any tricks in the play but he gets a 100-point bonus if he succeeds and has to pay 100 penalty points if he loses. But he bids nil after he takes a look at his cards.

●     A blind Nil involves a player bidding a Nil before taking a look at his cards. Typically, blind nil is played by a player whose team is lagging by at least 100 points. An ideal time to bet blind is when your opponent team is close to winning the game. You can do this even when you are the last player as you get an estimate of how the other players’ cards are.

●      A variation of the game is when you choose to play with Jokers.

Few Amazing Tips for Spades Card Game

You must have a keen understanding of the game; backed with a clear strategy when playing Spades Card game online. With sufficient practice, you would be able to identify how many Aces, Queens, and Kings are still left in the game. Of course, like in any game, a trustworthy partner is crucial.

Observe the other players’ biddings to calculate your tricks. Your seat position is crucial when bidding your hand. The second and third bidders have some cards with them and have heard the earlier bids.

The four-seat player is at an advantage as he can place his bid using the information from earlier players. Winning a spades card game is one that involves good partnership. The score must be controlled throughout the game.

The various scenarios must be thought through. Don’t get fazed by intimidation tactics that some players employ to rush you into making a bid. Don’t get fooled by their facial expressions and intimidating behavior. These actions will end you up in a losing situation.

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With the requisite rummy skills that you can hone up at different online rummy tables, you could go on to become a professional by playing a variety of tournaments. Cash games have their appeal as you get to win stunning Loyalty Rewards from time to time. Check out the various platform to earn attractive referral bonuses when you get your friends in to join the fun! Experience rummy in the digital age and play to win real money every day!

- ARJUN