In Part 1 of this series we examined the various styles of Spades bidders. Now we turn to styles of play. There are only two playing styles that need be considered; In Spades there are setters and there are baggers.

Although this simple categorization should make it easy for players to identify themselves, we run into a curious problem. Setters will proclaim their methods loudly and proudly, but no one ever claims to be a bagger. This seems strange at first because some 85% of all Spades players are found in this latter group. Yet it is this very conformity that provides the reason for the lack of awareness. Baggers do not see themselves as such. They assume they play the 'normal' way, "just like everyone else." Very well folks, have it your way. We will simply say there are normal players and there are setters.

A Matter of Degree

It turns out that a Spader's playing style matters less than another key variable -- the amount of technical skill each play possesses. Anyone can learn to play Spades in a short amount of time, but it takes many years to develop expert card-playing skills. There is so much to be learned. As a result, we find an enormous range in ability.

If the purpose of these articles is to assist the Spades player to identify his own personal style, we encounter a major obstacle at this point. No one can accurately evaluate their own level of skill. Nearly everyone believes they play much better than they really do. It is like climbing the fog-shrouded mountain. You never know how far you are from the top.

What advice can I offer to players who are able to quickly determine their partner's playing ability? If you know you have a strong partner sitting across the table, be consistent. Whether you lead Ace or King from A-K, always do it the same way. From other holdings, make standard leads, such as starting the King from KQJ. Do not be sneaky, thinking it's best to confuse the opponents. You would merely be throwing away your side's advantage.

What if you are a strong player burdened with a weakling? Well, the Bridge players have a proverb that applies equally well to Spades. "If you're stuck with a palooka, use his system."

(Incidentally, the first example of Rate Your Game, Good Grief, illustrates one way to handle a weak partner. Holding KJ10xx and wanting to play two rounds of spades, our expert South would normally lead a small spade expecting a competent North to return the suit if he can win. Since North is inexperienced, South leads the K instead and hopes for the best. More than one 'strong' player has written to me criticizing South's play. They clearly missed the subtle point about compensating for partner's ability, or lack thereof.)

I started these articles with a tale of parding a stranger in a live tourney. How did we do? She turned out to be a precision bidder, which is good, but her playing style was the common practice that can best be described as "playing the card closest to the thumb." We were quickly eliminated.

Regards,
Popsicle