2008 GRAND PRIX SPADES - RULES / FORMAT

Please note that registration for the Main event is from 4:30PM - 6:30 PM on Friday. Round I will start promptly at 7:00 PM

Games are played to plus 500 points, minus 200 points, or 10 hands, whichever comes first. Players will draw cards from the deck to determine the first deal. The player drawing the highest-ranking card is the game's first dealer. The deal will then rotate clockwise. Cards must be properly shuffled, and then the deck is offered to the player on the right of the dealer for a "cut." Cards should be counted before play is started; any misdeal will void the hand. Use of a bid deck (by each player) is strongly recommended; however, if both teams decline this option, it may be waived. Grand Prix urges the use of bid decks, as the tonal inflection of verbal bids is eliminated. In addition, the bid of each player is very easy to see (UNO decks are used.) One player from each team is required to keep score, and the final score sheet must be signed by a member of each partnership, in order to make that game Official. It is then returned to the Scorer's table.

First bid is made by eldest hand (player to the left of the dealer). Double Nil (Blind Nil) and "10 for 200" bids are not allowed. Each trick made in a successful combined partnership numerical bid is worth ten points. Nil bids are valued at 100 points. A Nil bid is a separate contract from a partner's numerical bid. Tricks taken by the Nil bidder (in a set Nil contract) do NOT count toward the cover hand (partner's) bid. Bags (tricks) taken by a defeated Nil hand count as Bags.

The opening lead is made by the Eldest Hand (player to the left of the dealer). Spades may not be led until the Spade suit is "broken" or the player on lead is "trump tight." Each player is responsible for raking and keeping their own books. This allows each player to track the # of tricks taken by any given bidder.

IRREGULARITIES and PENALTIES

The Tournament Director must be called in the event of a possible rules / procedure violation.

Revoke (nee Renege)
Failure to follow suit when possible constitutes a potential revoke.
A renounce situation occurs when a player determines that his/her play was incorrect, and corrects the play (follows the suit led) before the next trick is led.
This is called a renounce and results in a penalty card ruling.
The penalty card remains on the table and must be played at first opportunity.
An established revoke results in the loss of the bid of the offending side.
The opponents are credited with the value of their bid. Bags do not apply.

Bid Out Of Turn
The premature bid may be accepted by either opponent, in which case, the bidding commences with that player OR - the bidding reverts to the proper position, and the premature bid is then repeated. A ruling may be made if it was determined the premature bid conveyed information to the partner of this bidder.

Lead Out Of Turn
May be accepted by either opponent; otherwise the prematurely led card becomes a penalty card and must be played at the first legal opportunity. (See exposed card rule below.)

Prematurely Exposed Card
Exposure of the Ace, King, or Queen of Spades, or any side suit Ace or King, before or during the round of bidding is an automatic 50-point penalty.
All other prematurely exposed cards, including corrected revokes, must be played at the first opportunity. The TD will also determine if an improperly exposed card affects bidding.

Cheating
An accusation of cheating is a very serious matter, and will be dealt with immediately! Any player or team guilty of cheating will be automatically disqualified from the tourney. A Committee (Tournament Organizer, Host, Cases' Ladder Reps, and two other individuals) will be appointed in order to adjudicate this matter)
Trash-talking and taunting will not be tolerated. The TD has the final say on any ruling. Please be prompt for all Rounds and HAVE FUN! These Rules are there to protect your rights.

Play hard, have fun, and DO NOT MAKE YOUR OWN RULINGS.

PLAYOFFS
Note - Each Team will play seven standard games, starting on Friday night at 7:30 PM, and concluding by 4:30 PM Saturday afternoon. The top eight Teams ("Elite 8") will then be seeded according their W-L records. The playoffs will consist of the BEST TWO OUT OF THREE GAME matches. Those Teams who do not finish in the Elite 8, will have the opportunity to play in a free exhibition Duplicate Spades Tournament on Saturday evening after dinner. The two winning Teams will receive cash prizes of $ 500 each.

A complete schedule of all Rounds will be posted prior to the beginning of Round I.