Review

Spades is a popular trick-taking card game similar to Hearts. Unlike hearts, this version can be played individually or with teams of two players. The goal of the game is to correctly guess the number of tricks one can win in a particular round. This app by MobilityWare is a faithful recreation of the game featuring a very clean and unobtrusive presentation. The key to it being recommended over all of the many other versions available is the extensive range of accessibility options offered that allows the user to customize many aspects of the game's rules and design. These include customization of the card faces, card backs and screen background and change the control method (see below for our recommended settings). Unlike other games by the same developer (i.e. Solitaire, Spider Solitaire) this app does not include an emphatic auto-prompt feature if the user becomes inactive.

There is a free, ad-supported version of the app which we recommend as the presence of adverts is minimal (only between games), however there is a premium version for those who would like to remove all adverts completely.

Tip: In-App Purchases do require a password before completion, but they can be completely restricted on your device, if preferred. For information on how to do this for the Apple iPad, read our step-by-step guide. For information on how to do this for the Android tablet, click here.

Recommended settings

Access the options by tapping on the wheel icon on the top left hand corner of the game screen These are our recommended settings when introducing the game.

• Customize background (user preference)

• Customize card face (user preference)

• Customize card back (user preference)

Preferences

• Sounds (Off/ Reduced/ On)

• Orientation (portrait/ landscape/ auto)

• Hard mode (On/ Off)

• Bid suggestions (On/ Off)

Game Rules

• Winning score (250/ 500)

• Mercy rule (On/ Off)

• Sandbag penalty (On/ Off)

Visual Style

• Show reactions (On/Off)

• Individual bids (On/ Off)

• Right Handed (user preference)

• Card sorting (low first/ high first)