Spades Arena

Learn spades

The rules in plain words, from your first deal to a Boston. Read a lesson, then try it at a free practice table.

Learn with Big MommaLearn by playing, with Big Momma at your sideAbout five minutes at a real table. You play every card, she explains as you go.Start the lesson ›

• How to Play Spades: Rules for BeginnersLearn how to play spades in plain words: partners, bidding, winning books, breaking spades and scoring, with real examples.
• How to Bid in Spades: A Beginner's Guide to Counting BooksLearn how to bid in spades: count your sure books, add your partner's bid, and pick a number your team can make without piling up bags.
• Spades Scoring: How to Keep Score in SpadesHow spades scoring works in plain words: making your bid, getting set, bags, nil and winning the game, with easy worked examples.
• Nil and Blind Nil in Spades: How to Bid ZeroWhat nil and blind nil mean in spades, how they're scored, when to bid zero, and how to play a nil hand without getting stuck with a book.