The short answer
What bags are
Any trick your team wins beyond your bid is a bag (overtrick). Each bag adds 1 point to your score — a small reward that hides a big risk.
The 10-bag penalty
When your team's bags reach 10, you lose 100 points and the count resets. A few extra tricks can feel harmless until they suddenly aren't.
When to lose a trick on purpose
- You've already made your bid — extra tricks only add bags
- You're at 8 or 9 bags and one more triggers the penalty
- Winning cheaply now risks a much bigger loss later
Bags and bidding
Accurate bidding is the best bag control: bid what you can make, not less, to avoid piling up overtricks. See the bidding guide, and practice dumping tricks in the interactive bags lesson.
Bag management is a team responsibility — both partners share one bag total. See Partnership Strategy for how to coordinate.
Ready to try it for real?
Frequently asked questions
What are bags in Spades?
Bags are overtricks — tricks you win above your bid. Each bag is worth 1 point.
What happens when you get 10 bags?
When your team accumulates 10 bags, you lose 100 points and the bag count resets.
Should I ever lose a trick on purpose?
Yes. If you've made your bid and winning another trick would add a bag near the penalty, deliberately losing it is often correct.