What is a Good Score in Spades?
60-80 Points Per Hand
When a team makes their bid, they typically score 60-80 points (bid × 10 + overtricks). First team to 500 points wins. Going to -200 loses.
How Spades Scoring Works
- Making your bid: Bid × 10 points (e.g., bid 5 = 50 points base)
- Overtricks (bags): +1 point each, but 10 bags = -100 penalty
- Nil bid: +100 if successful, -100 if you take any tricks
- Blind Nil: +200 if successful, -200 if you fail
Score Benchmarks
| Scenario | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Make bid exactly | Bid × 10 | Ideal - no bags accumulated |
| Bid 6, take 8 | 62 points | 60 + 2 overtricks (bags) |
| Successful Nil | +100 | Plus partner's bid score |
| Failed Nil | -100 | Minus partner's bid score |
| Set (missed bid) | -Bid × 10 | Bid 5, take 4 = -50 |
The Bags Trap
Overtricks seem harmless (+1 point each), but they accumulate. At 10 bags, you lose 100 points! Experienced players bid accurately to avoid "sandbagging" themselves.
Typical Game Length
- At 60-80 points per hand, games last ~7-10 hands
- Nil bids can speed up or slow down the game
- Average game: 30-45 minutes
Bidding Strategy
- Count your spades: Each high spade (A, K, Q) is usually worth 1 trick
- Count Aces in other suits: Usually worth 1 trick each
- Bid conservatively: Better to make bid + bags than to get set
- Communicate with partner: Your bid tells partner what you have