247 Spades is an online game where players can try their hand (no pun intended) at the card game of Spades using a Flash generated playing environment. The goal of the game is to win as many “tricks” as you can while at least winning the bids you make.
Yet another classic card game has made its way to the computer screen of millions of online gamers. Whether you’re an avid cardplayer or just interested in learning the game, Spades will test your skills against AI opponents to see if you have what it takes.
The game starts by having one of the players deal all cards in the deck (each player will have 13 cards if there are four players). The players must then bid on how many tricks they expect to win. One is the minimum number a player can bid, and if they fail to win at least that many tricks, extra points are counted against them. The game ends when players reach a score of 500, but some variations for short games can be as low as 200.
The player to the dealer’s left must bid first. After all bids are taken, the same player must lead with his or her chosen card. Spades will always trump any other cards, but the goal is to lay down the highest scoring card during each trick. For example, if a player has a 10 of Hearts while the other players have a 2, 4 and 8 of the same suit, the player with the 10 wins that trick. If, however, another player lays down a Spade, it doesn’t matter what number or face card it is; that player will win the trick, thus the reason for the game’s name.
The player receives ten points for every trick won. Any number of tricks won that are over the amount of the starting bid will only receive one point. Failing to win at least the number of tricks bid will result in a score of 0. In 24/7 Spades, players are put into teams of two. A variant of Blind or Nil Bidding is available in this version. Should one of the players choose either option, they must meet the exact number of bids placed or be penalized.
Although there’s not much to jazz up when it comes to Spades, the gameplay could have been a little more exciting. A mediocre setup of a 2D card table does little to enthuse the player, and AI opponents are nothing more than a bit of text on the screen. The difficulty levels are also a bit high for what they’re labeled, but the game does provide a challenge that draws you in and forces you to try it just one more time. Overall, the game isn’t really anything special, and other variants have succeeded where this one has failed.
Spades for Android
Finally, a game of Spades for the beginner! Spades Free is an easy-to-follow Android app that makes playing simple and fun with helpful hints and customized settings.
The Spades Free app for the Android doesn’t make any bones about being the best in town. It simply lets players experience the game of Spades in a fun, stress-free environment where waiting for other players to join is a thing of the past.
What makes this app great is the How To Play section that lays out the game in full, along with any variations the app has, in clear terms that anyone can understand. Players can choose varying difficulty skill settings for their AI opponents to optimize their level of play. There’s also the added Hints feature that helps players who are stuck move forward in the game. Not everyone is an expert at Spades, so this feature is particularly helpful.
This app may seem bare bones when compared to the iOS Spades Plus version, but it’s pleasantly minimalistic and unintimidating. It’s the ideal game for those wishing to play solo against predictable AI opponents that don’t bow out when they start losing. Although there’s no online multiplayer, a feature that many users find lacking about this app, the gameplay still manages to charm, and the extra features are enough to make this one of our favorite card game apps.
Spades for iPhone
It looks like the game of Spades just got a facelift. With stunning, sparkling graphics and online multiplayer options, Spades Plus gives players a truly unique experience that they’ll be talking about for awhile.
Spades Plus takes your typical game of Spades and throws in a bunch of extra features. You can play against competitors from all over the world, or you can have a chill day dueling your friends.
Using the base model of Spades, this iOS app adds features such as different gameplay modes (Whiz, Mirror, Suicide and Solo) to keep things interesting. The game has a Las Vegas feel to it, and players are set up at a table with bright graphics, piles of gold coins and the option for Private or Public playing. Chat features allow you to talk strategy with your friends as you compete. You can also connect via Facebook to earn daily chips as if you were playing at a real casino.
The glamour and glitz of Spades Plus makes this one of the top-rated card game apps available for the iOS. Players feel like they are part of a large online community that has a true Las Vegas vibe about it. You can also post your own profile pics for other players to see, as well as play in VIP rooms. It’s a great improvement from the original game, and it leaves most other apps in the dust.