Spades is a four-player card game where you and the player across from you are partners. Your team tries to win the number of tricks you bid before the hand begins.
Each player gets 13 cards. Starting with the first player, everyone bids how many tricks they think they can win. A bid of zero is called nil: it is brave, because you must avoid every trick. Players then take turns playing one card. You must follow the first suit led if you can. If you cannot, you may play any card, including a spade. Spades are always trump, but they cannot lead a trick until someone has used one or a player holds only spades.
Partners combine bids and tricks. Making your bid scores 10 points per bid trick plus one point for each extra bag. Missing the bid loses 10 points per bid trick. Ten bags cost 100 points. First team near 300 wins.
Count high cards, save trump for important moments, and help your partner when they are already winning a trick.