Nil in Spades means bidding that you will win zero tricks during the hand. A successful nil often earns 100 points, while taking one trick or more often costs 100 points. The exact scoring depends on the ruleset and its date or version: ****.
How a Nil Bid Works
When you bid nil, you must avoid winning every trick. If you take no tricks, your team receives the nil bonus. If you take at least one trick, the nil fails and your team receives the penalty.
| Nil result | Typical scoring |
|---|---|
| You take no tricks | +100 points in many games |
| You take one or more tricks | -100 points in many games |
| Your partner's bid | Scored separately under the table's rules |
Scoring varies by game. Some versions use +50 or -50, particularly when the target score is 250 instead of 500. Check the rules before playing.
Example
You bid Nil, and your partner bids 4.
- You must take 0 tricks.
- Your partner must win the tricks needed for the partnership bid.
- If you take no tricks and your partner makes 4, your team receives the nil bonus plus the points for the 4-trick bid.
- If you win even one trick, the nil fails and your team receives the nil penalty.
What Is a Blind Nil?
A Blind Nil, also called a Double Nil, is a bid of zero tricks made before you look at your cards. It usually offers a larger bonus and a larger penalty than a regular nil. Blind Nil is an optional rule, and the bonus and penalty vary between games.
When Should You Bid Nil?
Consider a nil bid when your hand contains many low cards and few cards likely to win a trick. High cards can make nil risky, especially the ace, king, or queen of spades. Spades are trump, so a spade can beat cards from the other suits.
Your partner also needs to cover the nil by winning tricks that might otherwise fall to you. A nil bid is more than a low bid. It is a promise to take no tricks.