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♠️ Spades Guide

Strategy & rules • 5 min read

Overview

Spades is a four-player partnership trick-taking card game where spades are always trump. You and an AI partner compete against two AI opponents. Each round, you bid on how many tricks you'll take, then play to hit exactly your bid. Overbidding costs points; underbidding earns bags that accumulate penalties.

How to Play

  1. At the start of each round, bid how many tricks you expect to take (1-13).
  2. Your AI partner and opponents also bid.
  3. Click your cards to play them — follow the led suit if possible.
  4. Spades are always trump (they beat any other suit).
  5. Your team scores 10× your combined bid if you make it, minus 10× if you don't.
  6. First team to 500 points wins. Going below -200 loses.

Rules

  • You must follow the led suit if able. If void in that suit, you may play any card including spades.
  • The highest spade wins the trick if any spades are played; otherwise, the highest card of the led suit wins.
  • Making your team bid: +10 × bid. Each overtrick (bag) adds 1 point but 10 bags = -100 penalty.
  • Failing to make bid: -10 × bid.

Strategy Tips

  • Bid conservatively: Bags (overtricks) accumulate and cost 100 points per 10.
  • Count your sure tricks: High spades and aces in side suits are reliable tricks.
  • Manage your trump: Don't waste high spades early — save them for when you need to win.
  • Support your partner: If your partner bid high, play to help them make their bid.
  • Lead from strength: Lead your longest suit to establish tricks and force opponents to trump.

Difficulty Levels

  • Easy: AI bids loosely and plays somewhat randomly.
  • Medium: AI bids accurately and plays standard trick-taking strategy.
  • Hard: AI bids precisely and plays optimally, managing trump carefully.
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