23/05/2026
Tournament Rules & Structure
* Objective: A table of 4 players, 2 player teams sitting opposite of each other playing to reach a target score of 500 before opponents.
* Timed Rounds: Reach a score of 250 or highest score wins when time of 60 mins expires. (This will depend on number of teams register for tournament)
* Teams: Partners sit opposite each other; no, or limited, communication about hands is allowed.
* Dealing: 13 cards per player from a 52-card deck (no jokers, unless specified).
* First Hand Rule: First hand bids itself.
* Bidding: Players bid tricks (minimum 4 per team). Bags are tracked, and accumulating 10 bags usually results in a 100-point penalty.
* Reneging: Failing to follow suit when able will result in a loss of 3 tricks to the opposing team.
* Spades Breaking: A player cannot lead a spade until spades have been "broken" (played on a previous trick) or if they have nothing but spades.
* No blinds or nils
* No Table Talk: Strict prohibition on signaling or discussing cards will result in disqualification.
* A Card Laid is a Card Played: Once a card is placed on the table, it cannot be picked up.
* Cheating: Discussing hands, signaling, or touching cards inappropriately will result in point deductions or disqualification.
* Substitution: allowed if a player must leave, but cannot be another active participant.