Spades

The four-player trick-taking classic with a computer partner, bidding and blind nil.

Cards · by MarketJS

About Spades

Spades is a partnership card game for four, and this version supplies the other three players. You sit opposite a computer-controlled teammate and face two computer opponents, so a full game is always one click away.

Each round begins with bidding. You look at your hand and say how many tricks you expect to win. Then the hand is played out, with spades always acting as the trump suit. Hitting your team's combined bid scores points, and falling short costs you. The skill lies in bidding honestly, taking calculated risks and then working with your partner to make the number.

For bolder players there is blind nil, a bid to win no tricks at all, made before you see your cards. If you are new to the game, the built-in tutorial explains everything step by step, and tied scores are settled with bonus rounds. The pace is casual and the presentation is clean.

How to play Spades

  1. Look at your hand and bid the number of tricks you think you can win.
  2. Follow the suit that was led if you have a card of that suit.
  3. If you cannot follow suit, you may play a spade to trump the trick or discard another card.
  4. Work with your AI partner to reach your team's combined bid.
  5. Score points over the rounds; if the scores end up tied, a bonus round settles it.

Tips and tricks

  • Count your sure winners when bidding: aces, kings with support and high spades. Bid those, not your hopes.
  • Remember that your partner's tricks count toward the team bid. You do not need to win every trick yourself.
  • Hold your high spades until the other suits have been played. They are most valuable late in the hand.
  • Go through the tutorial once even if you know the game. It is the quickest way to see how this version presents bidding and blind nil.

Game details

Category
Cards
Developer
MarketJS
Plays on
Desktop, tablet and phone
Released
March 28, 2019
Price
Free

Frequently asked questions

How many players are in a game of Spades?

Four, in two teams of two. In this version your partner and both opponents are controlled by the computer.

What is blind nil?

It is a bid, made before looking at your cards, that you will win no tricks in the round. It is risky but scores well if you succeed.

I have never played Spades. Can I learn here?

Yes. The game includes a comprehensive tutorial that walks you through bidding, playing tricks and scoring.

Guides and tips