In the spirit of improving the game, I'd like to propose that we incorporate a "standardized" carding system for the game of Spades. This will provide 3 major needed improvements to the game:
1) Play of the hand will improve with added information (from both sides).
2) You will be able to play with a number of different partners without having to discuss signaling and carding methods in detail.
3) Disclosure to opponents will be easier.
Note: Currently, spades doesn't require disclosure of carding methods because very few pairs have agreements and it would confuse average players. As agreements become more mainstream, disclosure will be not only needed, but it will help to elevate the game.
I will be making a video which will cover the basic system
-- STAT (Standard Attitude and Trump Signals)
The same system with reversed carding will be
-- UDAT (Upside down Attitude and Trump Signals).
The system is as follows and applies to non-bagging hands:
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STAT Standard Attitude and Trump Signals
Leads
* Top of sequences AKx KQx QJx J10x KJ10x
* Low from Strength Q82 K73
* Top-of-Nothing 976 102
Attitude
* Standard Attitude (high = encouraging, low = discouraging) applies when we lead a suit for the first time.
* If Attitude is obvious, standard suit preference is next priority.
Trump
* When the opposition leads for the first time, we signal trump length. High = good trumps Low = bad trumps
* Subsequent leads we signal standard suit preference.
