Since the dawn of time, people have gravitated toward games as a way to unwind, compete, and connect with their loved ones. This is especially true for us in the Black community. There are the all-time favorites, like Uno, and Taboo, which have clearly defined rules, with possible slight variations. All in all, though, you can be certain that if nothing else, everyone who played along got some enjoyent out of the experience (even if they didn't say "you can stand under my ______." "RIHANNA!" for umbrella, and cost your team the match).

But, quite possibly the most contentious game in the Black community, even moreso than 2K, is Spades. Everybody has different rules, and conveniently, they seem to take effect as each hand is played. Scholars maintain that 1 in 4 slapbox sessions are triggered by debate over a game of Spades.

Here to put an end to the madness, we present to you, the OFFICIAL rules to Spades

Spades is played with four people - two on each team. Before the cards are distributed, the two of hearts, and the two of diamonds are removed, which should make for a total of 52 cards (including both jokers). Dealing and playing are done to the left (clockwise). And of course, first hand bids itself. If your partner jumps out there all crazy with a bid as soon as everyone looks at the first hand, it's not too late to get hungry out of nowhere and go get another plate of food. It's not worth the struggle of trying to teach them to play as you go. Refer them to this list instead.

Next is the order of the cards. From highest to lowest they are "Big" Joker, "Little" Joker, 2 of Spades, A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 of clubs. You can tell which joker is which because usually, the big will have a larger picture than the small. But who knows, you might want to swtitch it up, and make it the other way around. Either way, just make sure that you and the other players agree from the outset.

The person to the left of the dealer is the first person to play. They can lead with anything except for a spade. Each player after them must follow suit if able. If they'reunable to follow suit, they can play any card. A "book" that has a spade is won by the highest spade played. If no spade is played, the it's won by the highest card of the suit that led. The winner of each book leads to the next.

After the first hand is played, the books are scored in multiples of 10. So, if you and your partner won 7 books, you would have 70 points. From now on, when the cards are dealt, each team will make a prediciton about how many books they believe the can win. The team that is not dealing places their bid first, and then the dealer's team for that hand places their bid. If either team scores under their number of anticipated books, then that amount of points is subtracted from the team's score.

Last, but not least...DON'T RENEGE! If you have the suit, you have to play on suit. If you play off suit, and get caught, your team loses 3 books to the other team. Not a good look.

Tune in to Black Card Revoked  Thursdays at 10P/9C on BET. Be part of the fun as we enjoy a game that's for our culture from our culture.