Spades - Card Game 1.8

Spades is a classic trick-taking card game that originated in the United States during the 1930s. It offers both partnership and solo game modes, providing players with the option to challenge opponents individually or as a team. The objective is to win at least the number of tricks (or "books") that were originally bid. With Spades being the trump suit, it holds the highest value, while other suits have no intrinsic worth during gameplay, except when led in a trick.

During bidding, each player predicts the number of tricks they expect to win. Bidding starts with the player to the left of the dealer and continues clockwise until it reaches the dealer. Unlike some other variants of Spades, there is no need to specify a trump suit during bidding, as Spades always dominate. However, players have the option to bid "nil" and risk not winning a single trick if they are confident in their abilities.

In partnership Spades, bids from each member are combined to form the team's overall bid. Strategically, some players may choose to bid "blind," meaning they haven't seen their cards before placing their bid. Others may opt for a "nil" bid, declaring that they will not win any tricks during the hand. These different bidding styles come with bonuses and penalties depending on whether the player successfully meets their bid or falls short.

After completing a hand, players tally up the number of tricks they've taken. In partnership or team play, individual trick counts are summed to determine the team's total. The scores are then compared to their initial bid to determine whether they met their contract or not. If a player or team achieves or exceeds their bid, they receive 10 points per trick bid. Conversely, if they fall short, they incur a penalty of 10 points per trick bid. Additionally, players receive one point for each trick they take beyond their bid, known as an "overt trick" or "bag."