Formats

1. Regular
   It is what it is - the td will give you any rules you need. :) Some common variations are 1) Regular (nils OK, no ODs allowed), 2) Regular, all goes (nils and ODs allowed), and 3) Pure spades (no nils or ODs allowed).

2. Mirrors
   You bid the number of spades in your hand. Example: dealt 4 spades, you bid four. If you aren't dealt any, you must go nil.

3. Twisted Mirrors
   Similar to Regular mirrors, except you also have the option to nil, even if you have spades.

4. Dirty Mirrors
   Similar to Regular mirrors only in this case, the first to bid calls the suit to mirror. Generally speaking, if it's your call, you choose something you have few of in hopes that your opponents will have several.

5. All OD
   Everyone must bid double nil. May either be All OD (loser's win) or All OD (winner's win), so pay attention to lobby. Bags will be counted in the case of a tie. In Loser's Win, MOST BAGS WIN; in Winner's Win, LEAST BAGS WIN.

6. All bid 3
   Each and every hand, you will bid three.

7. Bid 3 or Nil
   Each and every hand, you will either bid three or nil.

8. 7-up
   Total team bid must equal 7. Nils allowed.

9. Suicide
   One partner nils - the other bids 4 or more.

10. Headache (aka Old Maid)
    Person dealt Queen of spades goes nil - the rest bid regular.

11. Bag 'em & Set 'em
    Alternating bids:
    Hand 1 - bid two
    hand 2 - bid four
    hand 3 - bid two
    hand 4 - bid four
    hand 5 - bid two
    nand 6 - bid four
    Etc.

12. Dealer's Choice
    In this instance, the dealer will call the game for that one hand. Be sure NOT to look at your cards until they have informed you of their "choice." If they call "ALL OD" and you've already looked at your cards, you will be disqualified for a misbid.

13. Strip Spades (aka Screamers)
    No!! Please... keep your clothes on for this one! You may NOT play or lead a spade until all of your other suits are played. You of course will have to follow suit, and if a spade is lead by someone else (who has nothing left) will have to play one as well. If you should happen to take the trick - you still must lead back any off suit you have. Makes bidding more challenging - If you've got a long suit - you may be able to count your twos & threes for tricks, because nobody can trump 'em!

14. Check out the "Links" link (here or above) for other spades variations.