Table Talk Spades
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Table Talk 101 · How to Play Spades

What Is Blind Nil?

Blind nil makes the zero-book commitment before you see your cards.

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Written steps

  1. 1

    Check availability

    Blind nil is a house-rule option. Its availability and eligibility depend on the settings the host selected.

  2. 2

    Commit before looking

    You make the nil decision without seeing your hand. After the cards are revealed, the goal remains zero books for the entire hand.

  3. 3

    Know the bigger swing

    Table Talk scores success at +200 and failure at −200. Discuss the risk through the allowed game controls, rather than secret signals.

Try it at your table

Find whether blind nil is enabled at your practice table.

Quick check

When do you commit to blind nil?

Before seeing your cards.

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