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Table Talk 101 · Tips & Tricks
Count Spades
Counting spades helps you estimate how many spades remain outside your hand.
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Written steps
- 1
Start with thirteen
A standard 52-card deck contains thirteen spades. Count the spades already played throughout the hand.
- 2
Subtract what you know
Eight spades have been played and you still hold two. Thirteen minus eight minus two leaves three spades elsewhere.
- 3
Use the information
The count helps you judge how many spades can still cut you. Track higher ranks as well as totals. Jokers and promoted deuces can change which cards beat a spade.
Try it at your table
Six spades played, three in your hand: how many remain elsewhere?
Quick check
Thirteen minus eight played minus two held equals?
Three spades elsewhere.