Whoever told you, Spades is just a card game, lied! Spades is an intense game of skill, memory and tactic that requires one’s full attention. This means, when you and your partner sit down at the table, phones (and all distractions) are not welcomed.
This year, at the community cookout, don’t be the person who walks away embarrassed, because of your simple mistakes at the table, with these quick tips:
Cutting your partner’s book
Here’s where watching the board comes into play (among other places). It is essential to know what card was played and by who. There is no talking across the board, so once the back of that fine paper hits the tabletop, the placement of the cards will only do so much to help you figure out which club came from who’s hand. You don’t want to have to justify later why you chose to cut the highest card on the board that happened to be your partner’s book. Now you’ve possibly bumped heads but you’re the only with a speed knot!
Renigging
Once again, do we have to remind you how important it is to pay close attention? even to your own hand. Perhaps, you have that win at all costs momentum and rather slice your opponents book than lose, but no one likes a cheater! Pay attention and play the right suit.
Not counting your books accurately
Not pulling your weight on your team can result in a severe tongue lashing and even worse than that, your partner will probably blame the entire game on you, if ya’ll happen to lose. Carefully evaluate your hand by counting how many face cards, spades, Jokers, and number of cards in a suit you have. Stand by your verdict and don’t let anyone bully you into going up or down on the score board.
Playing too slow
Think carefully about your next move, but don’t hold up the game. Nothing is more indicative of a novice move than taking too long to make a move. It’s frustrating to the players and momentum of the game.
