Rules -

Tournament Rules

Spades Rules

1. No talking in reference towards cards players have in their hand, no signals, code words, or signs of any kind. If this is determined automatic disqualification and forfeiture of tournament registration fee.

2. Coaching a partner while a hand is being played is not allowed (100-point deduction off score).

3. No phone communication of any kind while playing at the table. (Phones must be off)

4. No Blind bids, example: Blind 6, Blind 7 etc.

5. If a player doesn’t receive any spades or face cards the hand still has to be played, can not throw the hand in.

6. If a player reneges, that team has to give up 3 books.

7. Any team that gets all 13 books they win the game (at any point during the game whether they or winning or losing).

8. All games are played to 500 points.

9. Sandbags will be counted, example: a team bids 6 and gets 8 their score will be 62. Once a team gets a total of 10 sandbags over their bids, they will have 100 points deducted. The books they just gained will be added to the score then the 100 point deduction. The sandbags will then begin to accumulate again.

10. A bid of 10 counts for 200 points if converted. There are no sandbags on a 10 hand. Example: a team bids 10 and makes 11, there is no sandbag charged to that team. There are no sandbags for the team that sets a 10 hand as well. Any team that gets a 10 on the first hand does not win the game.

11. Any team that doubles their bid, example: bid 4 and get 8 for a score of 44 will have 100 points deducted.

12. A player can lead out with spades as their first play even if there were no cuts made with spades.

13. The high spades are Big Joker (colored joker), Lil Joker (black and white joker) and Ace of Spades.

14. The 2 of Heart and Diamond will be removed from the deck.

15. The team dealing the cards must give the option of cutting the cards to the opposing team.

16. No extra individuals are allowed at the playing table.

17. Any team winning money must fill out a W-9 before getting paid.

18. All winning funds will be paid with a cashier’s check.

19. Each team has 2 minutes to place their bids. If the 2 minutes expire that team will have 25 points deducted, 25 points will be deducted every minute there after. (The players at the table will be responsible for keeping the time between hands.)

20. The 1st place team automatically gets a spot in the ISL’s next tournament as long as they register before registration expires (no exceptions).
There are no 2 sets and the game is over rule in this tournament. Every game must be played until a team reaches a score of 500 points or the time limit expires.

21. Every team will be granted a 10 minute grace period to start the game. If the game hasn’t begun 10 minutes after the appointed time. The game will be declared a forfeit (registration fee will not be refunded).

22. If any player decides to quit at any time during the game, it will be declared a forfeit (registration fee will not be refunded).

23. Every team has to bid every hand including the first hand that is dealt.

24. The first player to deal is determined by the first ACE drawn out of the deck as the cards are passed around. Once it is determined who is dealing first, the deal is then passed to the player to the left until the game is over. The dealer must give the player to the right the opportunity to cut the cards or not, after every time the cards are shuffled before dealing them. You must deal straight no dealing out of order. You must deal to the person to the left of you and continue in that pattern.

25. Any threats, disrespect or foul language towards players, staff or opposing team will warrant automatic disqualification.

The International Spades League has transformed how I play and connect with other Spades lovers. A fantastic platform!

Demond CrumpInternational Spades League Commissioner

International Spades League

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our tournament.

Why are we playing with the jokers?

Playing with the jokers is a compromise for the different styles that people play. Some play Ace high, deuce high, deuce of heart and deuce of diamond high. We decided on a fair resolve for all players universally.

What is the purpose of playing with sandbags?

This prevents intentional under bidding and also keeps the game competitive. For example the NBA has a 24 second shot clock, the NFL has a play clock for competitiveness if a team has the lead in a game. Sandbags serve the same purpose. We don’t want to see a team intentionally underbidding in the midst of getting good hands because they are in the lead. If a team chooses to play this way those under bids will accumulate sandbags which will eventually penalize them which keeps the game competitive for a team that may be getting bad hands. (True spades players know getting a series of bad hands is a reality. But the cards always turn at some point).

Why are we not playing if you get set twice game over?

This is competitive tournament play. We are looking for true battles not just for someone to win because of favorable hands. We want that team that may have caught bad hands to have a chance to redeem themselves.

Why can you lead with spades without making a cut first?

Spades is a suit like all the others. We don’t discriminate in this league. If you are bold enough to lead out with spades first, we encourage you to do so.

Why can’t I throw my hand in if I don’t get any spades or face cards?

This is a professional spades league. Play the hand you are dealt. (You may need to learn to cut the cards better. ?)

How long does each game last?

Each game will last 1.5 hour for each round. Except for the championship round.

Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policy

Fee is non-refundable unless you decide to cancel.
We reserve the right to pay within 7 days of cancellation date.
If you chargeback, you and your team will be disqualified from ever playing in ISL tournament and you will lose the World Ranking.

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