How Does the Spade Bonus Work in Oklahoma Gin?
In Oklahoma Gin, spade upcards create double-points rounds. If the first card turned face-up is any spade (♠), all points scored that hand - by either player - are multiplied by 2.
Examples of Spade Bonus Scoring
| Situation | Normal Round | Spade Round |
|---|---|---|
| Gin with opponent at 30 deadwood | 25 + 30 = 55 | 110 points! |
| Knock with 5 deadwood diff | 5 points | 10 points |
| Getting undercut | -25 penalty | -50 penalty! |
Why the Spade Bonus Matters
- Faster games: Big point swings can end games quickly
- Higher stakes: Winning or losing matters twice as much
- Comeback potential: One spade Gin can turn a losing game around
- Risk assessment: Being undercut on a spade round hurts badly
Strategic Considerations
When you see a spade upcard:
- Play aggressively: The doubled rewards justify more risk
- Avoid undercuts: The penalty is severe - consider waiting for Gin
- A♠ is special: Ace of Spades means must-Gin + double points