A Boston in Spades is when one team wins all 13 tricks, also called books, in a single hand.

In a standard four-player game:

  • Each player is dealt 13 cards.
  • The hand contains 13 tricks.
  • A team makes a Boston by winning every trick.
  • Either partner can win the tricks, or both teammates can contribute.

Some groups also use Boston as a special bid. In that case, the team is claiming it will win all 13 tricks. The score or penalty for making or missing the bid depends on the table's house rules.

Example: If your team wins every trick from the opening lead to the final trick, you have made a Boston.