How to Play SuperSpades

Spades, created in the late 1930s, is the most popular partnership card game in the United States. It is also played in Europe and Australia. A frequently played version is the standard game of 500 points with "Nils" and "Bags." In addition to its thriving "live" community, Spades games are available on many Internet sites. "SuperSpades" is the creation of Joe Andrews and Jay Tomlinson. All of the basic rules remain the same. The difference lies in the the introduction of the "Dummy" hand (similar to that of the game of Bridge) and the enhanced play of the hand. This variation introduces a new level of skill and challenge to Spades, and the opportunity to compete at a higher level. Here is how to play.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A well-lighted and ventilated room
• A card-sized table
• A deck of standard playing cards
• Pens/pencils and paper (for keeping score)
• Four enthusiastic players

1. THE BASICS
   
   In summary, this is a trick-taking game with one round of bidding prior to the start of each hand. All of the cards are dealt. The object of the game is to be the first team to score 500 points. Some groups prefer to use a ten-hand limit. Nils (if successful) yield a bonus of 100 points (if made). Bags or overtricks count as one point each. If your side accumulates 10 Bags, 100 points are deducted from your score. There are many variations of Spades including "Mirrors," "Cutthroat" and "Suicide," to name a few. We now move on to a new variation called "SuperSpades."

2. THE BIDDING
   
   The dealer of the first hand is determined by a "cut." After the deal, the person to the left of the dealer makes the opening bid. The deal always moves in rotation, as in the regular game. The bidding continues clockwise for one round. It is quite possible to have more than 13 tricks bid, or in rare instances, less than than 10 tricks bid. An intentional low bidding strategy ("bag-em") will not be successful in SuperSpades!

3. THE DECLARER
   
   The "declarer" (person who plays both hands for a given deal) is determined by the player who makes the HIGHEST numerical bid during the auction. If more than one player makes the highest bid, the FIRST person to bid the highest number is the Declarer for that hand. (Example: the bids in order are 4, 3, 4, 1. The first person who called "4" wins the Declarer privilege for that hand.)

4. THE OPENING LEAD
   
   The opening lead (any card other than a Spade) is made by the person to the immediate LEFT of the person who made the highest bid (or made the first highest bid if more than one of the same number was bid). For example, if South is the dealer and West has first bid and the auction proceeds: 3 (West); 5 (North); 2 (East) and 2 (South), THEN North becomes Declarer and East makes the opening lead. South becomes the Dummy hand. The deal for the NEXT hand still goes in rotation--to West.

5. THE "DUMMY" or EXPOSED HAND
   
   After the opening lead is made, the partner of the Declarer places his or her hand on the table, as is done in the game of Bridge. The suits are arranged (from left to right): Spades, Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds and in descending order. This makes it easier for the Declarer to play the hand and for the Defense to follow the play.

6. PLAY OF THE HAND
   
   The Declarer now has the option of playing any card from the Dummy (other than a trump) after the opening lead is made. (The only time a trump may be played is when the Dummy hand is void of the suit lead.)
   Play continues in rotation, as in the regular game. If the Dummy hand wins a trick, the Declarer selects a card from Dummy and leads to the next trick. If an opponent wins the trick in play, he/she leads to the next trick. Tricks won are placed in front of the player (or the Dummy hand). The Dummy can not touch any card unless instructed by the Declarer. As always, trump may not be led unless Spades have been "broken" or a player has nothing but trump in his/her hand.

7. CONCLUSION OF EACH HAND
   
   Play continues until all 13 tricks are completed. Score is determined and logged accordingly, as in the Standard game. The Dealer for the next hand rotates to the person to the left of the previous Dealer. The game ends when one side scores 500 points or 10 hands have been played. Scoring is the same as for the Standard game.

8. IMPROVEMENTS OVER STANDARD GAME
   
   1. Bidding will usually be more competitive and higher for each hand.
   2. The "Bagging" strategy will be diminished, as the bids are higher.
   3. The auction will be competitive, as the Declarer position is clearly advantageous, especially if a Nil is bid by partner.
   4. The Defense will be able to adjust their strategy after observing the play of he Declarer and the cards in the Dummy hand.

Tips & Warnings

• You will need to practice the bidding and the use of a Dummy hand.
• Use a marker or token to determine who is the Dealer for each hand.
• If your partner has played Bridge, this will be very helpful.
• Familiarize yourself with "finesses" and discarding techniques.
• The use of a "bid" deck is very helpful to display each call.
• Refer to my other eHow articles on Spades.
• Do not try Superspades unless you are an experienced Spades player.

[ClassicCardMan]

on 11/25/2008 Thanks! I hope that this variation becomes a standard...

[ajoneser]

on 11/15/2008 Very cool!