Last updated: March 2026
What Is Spades?
Spades is a partnership trick-taking card game where you team up with a partner to bid and win tricks. Spades are always trump, making them the most powerful suit in the game.
This free online version pairs you with a cooperative AI partner against two AI opponents. The game features full bidding, nil bid support, bags penalty tracking, and configurable winning scores. Every game is different thanks to the partnership dynamics and bidding strategy.
How to Play Spades
Bid your tricks. Look at your 13 cards and bid 0-13 tricks. Your team's bid is your bid plus your partner's. Bidding 0 (nil) is a special gamble worth +100 or -100 points.
Win tricks with your partner. Follow suit when possible. Trump with spades when you cannot follow. The highest card of the led suit wins unless a spade trumps it. Work with your partner to hit your team bid exactly.
Manage your bags. Overtricks (bags) add up. Every 10 bags costs your team 100 points. Bid accurately and avoid unnecessary tricks to stay ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Spades online with a partner?
Yes. You are paired with an AI partner (North) who plays cooperatively. The partner bids based on hand strength, protects your nil bids, and coordinates trick-taking with you against the two AI opponents.
What happens if I bid nil and take a trick?
If you bid nil and take even one trick, your team loses 100 points. Your partner will try to protect your nil by playing high to win tricks before you have to play. Only bid nil with a very weak hand.
How do bags work in Spades?
Bags are overtricks beyond your team's bid. Each bag is worth 1 point, but when your team accumulates 10 bags you lose 100 points and the bag counter resets. This prevents teams from underbidding on purpose.
Does this Spades game work on mobile?
Yes. The cards display in a scrollable row at the bottom of the screen. Tap to play. The bidding interface adapts to smaller screens. Works on all phones and tablets.