How to Play Suicide Spades

Learn how to play the risky and exciting suicide variation of spades. Four players are involved. One player from each team is forced to bid nil, meaning she must avoid catching any tricks during the game. On any given round, two players will attempt to catch all of the tricks. The other two catch none. This adds a tricky element to an otherwise standard spades game.

Things You'll Need

• Deck of cards
• Paper
• Pen or pencil

Instructions

1. Divide the four players into two partnerships. The two teams are now pitted against one another.

2. Deal out 13 cards to each player.

3. Bid either nil or at least four tricks. The first player in the partnership must choose his bid. The bidding should continue around clockwise.

4. Bid either nil or at least four tricks if you are the second player. You may bid opposite what your partner bid or the same thing. Doing that will force your partner to take the opposite bid.

5. Play out the hands according to general spades protocol. Successful nil bids are worth 100 points. Unsuccessful nil bids lose 100 points. Each trick is worth 10 points. Any player loses 10 points for each trick she bid and lost.

6. Continue play until a team reaches an agreed upon winning score, generally 500 points.

Tips & Warnings

• Be flexible with rules if you are using it as a party game. It's meant to be fun.

• Don't play this game if you are in a time crunch. It can go on a long time if you insist on playing to the bitter (or sweet) end.