Spades
The classic partnership card game: you and your computer partner bid the tricks you'll take, then play with spades as trump to make your contract. Mind the bags, risk a nil. No ads, no sign-in.
Your bid: how many tricks will you take?
North is your partner. Spades are trump and can't be led until one has been played. Make your team's contract; extra tricks are bags.
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How to play Spades
Spades is a four-player partnership trick-taking game. You sit South and your partner sits North; West and East play against you. All 52 cards are dealt, thirteen each. Before play, everyone bids the number of tricks they expect to win, and the two bids on each side add up to that team's contract. Play then runs clockwise: follow the suit that was led if you can, and the highest card of that suit wins — unless someone plays a spade. Spades are always trump, so any spade beats any card of another suit, and the highest spade wins. You cannot lead a spade until one has been played, unless your hand holds nothing else.
At the end of the round, a team that wins at least as many tricks as its contract scores ten points for each trick bid; a team that falls short loses that many. Every trick won above the contract is a bag worth one point, and every ten bags costs the team 100 points. The first team to reach the target — 500, or 250 for a quick game — wins.
Bidding nil
A bid of nil promises that you will win no tricks at all. Make it and your team scores a 100-point bonus; take even one trick and it loses 100. Your partner's bid counts on its own, so a nil is usually best with a hand full of low cards and a partner bidding confidently.
Tips
- Count your sure tricks: aces, protected kings and long spades. The game suggests a bid when it is your turn.
- When your partner is already winning a trick, play low and let them take it.
- Late in a round with your contract made, try to lose tricks — bags add up.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spades free here?
Yes — it plays free in your browser with no ads, no sign-in, and nothing to install.
Who is my partner?
North, the computer player opposite you. West and East are your opponents.
Does the game save?
Yes, on this device. Close the tab mid-game and you will be offered your game back next time.
