How Do Bags Work in Spades?
Short Answer
Bags are overtricks (tricks won beyond your team's bid). Each bag adds 1 point but accumulates across hands. When you reach 10 bags, you lose 100 points and the bag count resets. This prevents teams from consistently underbidding.
Bag Scoring
- Each bag: +1 point immediately
- At 10 bags: -100 point penalty
- After penalty: Bag count resets to 0
- Tracking: Bags shown in ones digit of score (123 = 3 bags)
Example
Your team bids 7 total and takes 9 tricks. You score: 70 (for 7 bid) + 2 (bags) = 72 points. If you had 8 bags before, you now have 10. You lose 100 points and reset to 0 bags.
Why Bags Exist
Without bag penalties, teams could:
- Bid conservatively (4) and safely take 8+ tricks
- Never risk failing their bid
- Win without skilled bidding
Bags force accurate bidding and strategic play.
Bag Management Strategy
- Track carefully: Know your current bag count
- Bid accurately: Don't lowball your bid
- Let opponents win: Sometimes losing a trick avoids bags
- Coordinate with partner: Share bag responsibility
When Bags Are Worth It
- You have 0-3 bags (safe cushion)
- Setting opponents is more valuable
- Close to winning the game
- Protecting a Nil bid