Spades (Card Game)

The deck is dealt out evenly so all four players hold thirteen cards, with partners sitting across from each other.

Before play, each player privately predicts, or bids, how many of the thirteen tricks they expect their side to win that hand.

Spades are always the trump suit, meaning any spade beats a card of another suit, and players must follow the suit that was led if they can.

Play proceeds trick by trick, with the highest card of the suit led (or the highest spade if any were played) winning each trick for that side.

After all thirteen tricks are played, each team compares the tricks they won to their combined bid, scoring bonus points for hitting the bid exactly and penalties for falling short.

Hands are dealt repeatedly, with running totals kept, until one team reaches an agreed winning score such as 500 points.