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Table Talk 101 · How to Play Spades
What Is Reneging?
Reneging means failing to follow the suit led when you still hold a card of that suit.
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Written steps
- 1
Follow suit when possible
Hearts are led and you still hold 8♥. You must play a heart, even if playing a spade would win.
- 2
Understand the call
At a Table Talk table with renege calling enabled, the opposing team must call the renege during the hand. Read the setting before play.
- 3
Know the fixed penalty
A correct call transfers three books from the offending team. This penalty is fixed; the host does not choose a different number.
Try it at your table
Explain the difference between being void in hearts and choosing not to play a heart you hold.
Quick check
Hearts led, hearts in hand: may you play a spade?
No. You must follow hearts.