How to Play Spades with Jokers

Last Updated on August 4, 2025 by admin

In the world of card games, Spades stands as a favorite for both social gamers and serious strategists. Adding jokers to the mix introduces exciting twists, bold challenges, and supreme trick-taking drama, making “Spades with Jokers” a must-try variant! Whether you’re sitting at a kitchen table or playing online, mastering the rules and tactics of Spades with Jokers will help you win more hands and enjoy the game like never before.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll gain step-by-step instructions on deck setup, learn the ranking of cards (including Big and Little Joker), understand the bidding process, and discover essential strategies—perfect for beginners eager to play with confidence.

What is Spades with Jokers?

Spades is a trick-taking game, traditionally played by four players in fixed partnerships, that relies on smart bidding, teamwork, and clever card play. The “Spades with Jokers” variation spices up the basic game by adding two powerful cards—the Big Joker and Little Joker—leading to more intense gameplay and surprising upsets. This version is especially popular in North America and on many online Spades platforms.

Deck Setup and Card Rankings

Traditional Spades uses a standard 52-card deck. Spades with Jokers uses a 54-card deck:

All 52 standard cards
1 Big Joker (sometimes just labeled “Joker” or colored)
1 Little Joker (the second joker card, typically black-and-white or unmarked)

Card Rankings—Highest to Lowest in Spades with Jokers:

Big Joker (also known as “Full-Color Joker”)
Little Joker (Black-and-White Joker)
Ace of Spades
King of Spades
Queen of Spades
Jack of Spades
…all remaining Spades, 10 down to 2
Ace of Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, down to 2 of each

Key Rule:
Spades (and Jokers) always beat any card from another suit; Jokers beat all other Spades.

Objective and Game Flow

The objective in Spades with Jokers is to win as many “tricks” as you and your partner bid, striving for the best score at the end of each round (and ultimately, the game). A trick is won by playing the highest-ranked card during a single round of card play.

The Role of Jokers: Big Joker and Little Joker

Both Jokers are considered trump cards—higher than all spades.
The Big Joker is the absolute highest card in play.
The Little Joker is the second highest, beating every other card except the Big Joker.

How to distinguish?
Most decks have one full-color joker (Big) and one mono-color or unmarked (Little). If your deck’s jokers look similar, use a pen or sticker to mark the Big and Little Joker, or agree on distinctions with other players.

Dealing the Cards

Shuffle the 54-card deck (with two jokers).
Deal cards one at a time in a clockwise direction until all cards are distributed.
- With four players, each receives 13 cards, and 2 extras are set aside as a “kitty” (some variations).
- Commonly, the kitty goes to the highest or first bidder; clarify before starting.
Players organize their hands by suit, keeping jokers visible.

Understanding Bidding in Spades with Jokers

Bidding determines how many tricks you and your partner plan to take that round.

Starting with the player left of the dealer, each person announces a number between 0 (Nil) and 13.
Partners’ bids are combined—a team that bids “8” and “3” is pledging to win 11 tricks.
The “Nil” bid means you aim to take zero tricks—a big risk, but with a high reward if successful.

Tips for bidding in Spades with Jokers:

Count your Spades and Jokers first.
If you hold a Joker, you can usually count on taking one trick per Joker.
High face cards in Spades increase your bidding confidence.
Consider your partner’s typical bidding and defensive skills.

Playing Tricks and Taking the Lead

The player to the dealer’s left leads the first trick.

Players must follow the suit led if possible (play a card of the same suit).
If they can’t, they may play a spade—or in our variant, a Joker.
Spades trump all other suits, and Jokers are highest trump cards.
The highest card in the suit led wins the trick. If Trump (Spades) or a Joker is played, the highest trumps win.

Example round:

Lead: 10♥ | Second: Q♥ | Third: 2♠ | Fourth: Little Joker
Winner: Little Joker beats all.

Scoring in Spades with Jokers

Teams that exactly meet their combined bid earn 10 points per trick bid.
Tricks in excess of the bid (“bags”) score 1 point each, but 10 bags incur a 100-point penalty.
Failing to meet the bid (“set”) results in a -10 point penalty for each trick short.
“Nil” bids, if successful, add 100 points; failed Nil incurs a 100-point loss.

Optional Rules:

Kitty bonuses (for extra cards).
Double Nil and Blind Nil for extra risk/reward.

Key Rules and House Variations

Before starting, check which house rules apply! Some options:

Jokers in First Trick: Some tables restrict playing Jokers/Spades on the first trick.
Kitty Usage: The “kitty” or extra cards go to certain hands—often the highest bidder, to discard unwanted cards before play.
Card Exchange: In rare games, lowest bidder chooses a card to exchange with partner; clarify if this applies!
Number of Players: With more than four, adjust the deck—some remove 2s, some rotate kitty distribution.

Tips and Strategies for Beginners

Always Count Your Trump Cards—The more Spades and Jokers, the higher you can bid safely.
Protect Your Nil Bid Partner—If your teammate goes Nil, help cover them by taking tricks they might accidentally win.
Lead with Low Cards Early—Draw out opponents’ trumps and Jokers, saving your power cards for later.
Play Jokers Tactically—Don’t play your Big Joker unless you must win a trick; sometimes “duck” the trick if you don’t need the win.
Watch Remaining Cards—Track which Spades, high cards, and Jokers have been played. This helps you anticipate when your trump cards will win.
Use Bags Wisely—Don’t always chase extra tricks (bags); accumulating too many can cost your team big points.
Communicate (Legally)—Without table talk, observe your partner’s play for clues to their strategy.
Adapt Your Bid Each Hand—The presence of Jokers can mean hands are stronger than you realize; reassess every deal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting suit-following rules: Never renege (fail to follow suit when able)—this can cost you the round.
Blowing high trumps early: Save Jokers for when you’re sure you can use them to win critical tricks.
Ignoring the kitty: If your house rule includes a kitty, don’t overlook its strategic value.
Miscounting bags: Overtricking repeatedly can sink your score.
Underbidding strong hands: With Jokers, hands are often stronger than expected—be realistic!

Spades with Jokers Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play a Joker even if I have the suit led?
A: No, you must follow suit if possible. Play a Joker only if you can’t follow suit.

Q: Which Joker is higher?
A: The Big Joker always beats the Little Joker.

Q: Do Jokers count toward my bid?
A: Absolutely! Each Joker is almost guaranteed to win a trick.

Q: What happens if both Jokers are played in the same trick?
A: The Big Joker wins over the Little Joker.

13. Final Thoughts: Enjoy More Fun with Jokers

Once you’ve mastered the basics of Spades with Jokers, you’ll find every hand more exciting, unpredictable, and rewarding. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or competitively online, Jokers bring new power, drama, and strategy to every round. Start with these rules, factor Jokers into your tricks, and watch your wins multiply!

Spades with Jokers isn’t just a twist on a classic—it’s a whole new world of trick-taking fun. Gather your deck, set house rules, and try a few hands today. With practice and a sharp mind, you’ll soon be a Spades with Jokers champion!

Ready for the challenge? Deal those Jokers and let the best strategy win!

How to Play Spades with Jokers: Rules for Beginners