Spades is a classic card game that’s perfect for four players. The objective of the game is to win as many tricks as possible while also trying to predict how many tricks you will win. If you’re new to the game, don’t worry! This guide will teach you how to play Spades from start to finish.
Table of Contents
- Setting Up the Game
- How to Play Spades
- Scoring in Spades
- Tips for Winning at Spades
- A Brief History of Spades
Setting Up the Game
Before you can start playing Spades, you need to set up the game. Here’s how:
- Get a standard deck of 52 cards and remove all of the cards from 2 to 6.
- Shuffle the remaining cards and deal them out to each player. Each player should have 13 cards.
- Choose a player to go first. This player will be the dealer for the first round.
How to Play Spades
Now that you’ve set up the game, it’s time to learn how to play Spades. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- The player to the left of the dealer goes first. This player can play any card they want.
- The next player must then play a card of the same suit as the first card played. If they don’t have a card of the same suit, they can play any card.
- The player who plays the highest card of the same suit wins the trick and takes all of the cards played in that trick.
- The winner of the trick then starts the next trick by playing any card they want.
- The game continues like this until all 13 tricks have been played.
Scoring in Spades
Scoring in Spades is a little more complicated than in some other card games. Here’s how it works:
- Before the game starts, each player must predict how many tricks they will win. They write their prediction down on a piece of paper.
- Once all 13 tricks have been played, each player receives one point for each trick they won.
- If a player’s prediction was correct, they receive an additional 10 points.
- If a player wins all 13 tricks (called a “Boston”), they receive an additional 100 points.
Tips for Winning at Spades
If you want to win at Spades, here are some tips you should keep in mind:
- Pay attention to the cards that have already been played. This will help you figure out which cards your opponents might have.
- Don’t be afraid to lead with your highest card if you think it will win the trick.
- Try to predict how many tricks you will win and adjust your strategy accordingly.
A Brief History of Spades
Spades is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1930s. It quickly became a popular game in the military and among college students. Today, Spades is still played all over the world and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
That’s everything you need to know to start playing Spades! With a little practice, you’ll be winning tricks and predicting outcomes like a pro in no time.
For those that like videos to help them learn, this video here offers a visual guide on how to play spades!
FAQ
- What happens if a player reneges or fails to follow suit? If a player fails to follow suit, they have reneged, and the other players may call them out on it. If the infraction is proven, the offending player’s team loses the trick and receives no points for it.
- Can a player lead with a spade before it has been broken? No, a player cannot lead with a spade until after the suit has been broken. Once a spade has been played and is no longer in someone’s hand, the suit is considered broken.
- What is the penalty for going set? If a team takes fewer tricks than they bid and goes set, they will receive a penalty of 10 points for each trick they bid. For example, if a team bids 4 and only takes 2 tricks, they will receive a penalty of 40 points.
- Can you play Spades with more than four players? Yes, Spades can be played with more than four players by using two or more decks of cards. The game is usually played with four players, but additional players can be added in pairs with each additional deck of cards used.
- Is Spades a game of luck or skill? Spades is a game that requires both luck and skill. Luck plays a role in which cards you are dealt, but skill comes into play in how you strategically use your cards and bid on tricks. Experienced players will have a better understanding of how to win tricks and predict how many they can take.
For more great card games, check out this article here!