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- 1). OBJECTIVE
In Duplicate Spades, each hand is a SEPARATE entity and NOT part of the standard 500-point game. You play 2 to 4 hands per round, depending on the size of the field. Sometimes one "bag" will decide the outcome of hand! A "set" of the opponents at the right time can help score a top board (hand) for you. Each board or hand is Match pointed and scores against the results of the other pairs. It does not matter if you get "crushed" on a given hand; there is plenty of time to recover and score a few "tops" or "average plus" results on the next few hands. - 2). SEATS (DIRECTIONS)
When you are seated N/S, your Team is dealt the same cards as all of the other N/S Pairs in the tourney. The same is true for all of the E/W Teams. The N/S Teams are stationary, and the E/W Teams move up to the next highest number table. There are new hands for both sides every Round. Your goal is make the best bid and plays for each hand. Your opponents for each round are striving for the same objective. They, too, will be trying to maximize their results. You could lose a hand to the opponents and still score well if your points are better than the other Pairs in your direction. - 3). METHOD OF PLAY
If you are playing online, the computer will do all of the work for you, as is the case in the Standard game. It is impossible to bid out of turn, renege, revoke or prematurely play a card. Scoring is accurate and automatic. In a home or club game there is a protocol for playing. DUPLICATE BOARDS (each holding one hand for all four players) are used. Cards are not tossed into the middle of the table; instead, each player places his card in front of him in rotation. In addition, there are Bid Decks, table guide cards and special scoresheets for each hand. It is best to go to the only website that offers Duplicate Spades (mysticisland.net) and familiarize yourself with this variation. - 4). SOUND BIDDING
Seasoned Duplicate players know aggressive bidding pays off! A "bagging" strategy is not sound, as underbids will cost your side valuable tricks (at 10 points each). Some Teams prefer to have one member bid "tight," giving the partner the opportunity to bid Nil or going for a set with a conservative call. - 5). REEVALUATE THE NIL BID
A successful Nil will often yield a good or top score on a given deal. Marginal Nils are often bid to gain the big points. If you are bidding in first seat you tend to be slightly conservative; however, if your partner has bid 4 or 5 ahead of you your "close" Nil becomes more palatable. On the other side of the coin, a 1, 2 or 3-bid by partner ahead of you may damper down a Nil call, especially if you have a weak suit with middle cards. - 6). TOTAL TABLE BIDS
As stated above, strong bidding leads to good results! In Duplicate you will rarely see table total bids of less than 11. There is also a tendency for a lot of 12 bids. Bag control is vital and underbids will cost your side dearly in the long run. Risky Nil bids must be weighed carefully; however, if your side needs to make up some lost ground, go for the borderline Nil! - 7). USE OF CONVENTIONS
The game of Spades is ideal for the application of several Conventions, which are based on those seen in Bridge. My book, "The Complate Win At Spades," has a full chapter on bidding applications and defensive signals. You will be amazed at the power of "The Big 5" bid, sequence leads or the use of "high-low" discards, to mention a few. - 8). DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP
Unlike regular Spades, when a set can hurt you badly, if there is a bad result on an early hand or two, Duplicate provides an opportunity to make a comeback and score on later hands. Mistakes are made by BOTH sides, and it is the Team that capitalizes on the opponents' errors that will be successful over the long haul. - 9
Classic Cards!
COUNTING AND TEAMWORK
In Duplicate it is absolutely essential that you count EVERYTHING! You must try to remember which cards have been played. One Bag can make a difference! Watch your opponents plays and discards. In time, you will be able to form a "picture" of each hand. Work closely with your partner. It is a joy to watch a well coordinated pair perform their "magic" at the table! Duplicate is a game which will improve your skill and make the game of Spades a stimulating challenge. - 10
Aces, anyone?
PLAY DUPLICATE SPADES AT HOME
It is possible to play Duplicate at home. All you need is 8 players (4 teams), 2 card tables, and supplies which can be purchased from the ACBL. (12 Bridge Boards, scoresheets, cards and a guide on "Team of 4 Play"). Your team will sit N/S at one table and your teammates will sit at E/W at the other tables. The boards (hands) are relayed between tables and the scores are then compared. This is a perfect introduction to Duplicate and good practice for serious competitions--not to mention a lot of fun too!
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