Early Bird Tickets through May 2, 2026

Round Robin → Single Elimination Playoff

Spades games will be played in teams of two.

Registration: Teammates MUST check in together.

Teams will be numbered by which team checks in first.

Team # Players
Team 1 Player A / Player B
Team 2 Player C / Player D
Team 3 Player E / Player F
Team 4 Player G / Player H

Team 5 Player I / Player J

Team 6 Player K / Player L

Team 7 Player M / Player N

Team 8. Player O / Player P

Round Robin Pool Play

Each team plays 2 quick games against different teams.

Game Rules:

First team to 200 points wins

30-minute time limit

If time expires → highest score wins

Scoring System:

Result Points
Win 2 points
Loss 0 points
Tie 1 point

At the end of pool play:

Top 4 teams advance.

Playoffs

Semi Finals
Game to 300 points

Team 1 vs Team 4
Team 2 vs Team 3

Championship Game

Game to 500 points

Winner takes the tournament.

Timeline

Time Activity
5:00 Registration
5:15 Round 1
5:45 Round 2
6:15 Semi Finals
7:00 Championship

GMO SPADES TOURNAMENT – HOUSE RULES (ACE HIGH)

🃏 Game Setup

• Teams of 2 players
• Standard 52 card deck
• First deal chosen randomly; deal rotates clockwise

📝 Bidding

• Each player bids 0–13 tricks
• Team bids are combined
• Minimum team bid: 4
• Blind Nil is allowed

🪶 Nil Rules

• Nil = 100 points if successful
• Nil = -100 points if failed
• Teammate can help cover Nil

♠️ Gameplay Rules

• Spades are always trump
• Spades cannot be led first unless broken
• Must follow suit if possible
• If you can’t follow suit, you may play spades

💰 Scoring

• 10 points per bid trick
• +1 point per overtrick (bag)
• Every 10 bags = -100 penalty

🚫 Reneging (Misplay)

• If a player fails to follow suit when able:
• 3 books penalty will be assessed

⚖️ Table Conduct

• No table talk or coaching during play
• Keep hands visible above table
• Disputes → Tournament Director decision is final