# Spades Cutthroat Pirates — Play spades with Pirates!

> Story-driven pirate-themed Spades card game with competitive AI and unlockable content. (iPhone/iPad app by Larry McBride.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-cutthroat-pirates/id1029168774 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Larry McBride](https://appshunter.io/developer/1029168773)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Casual, Card
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 45 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 122 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-10-30
- Data updated: 2026-07-19
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-cutthroat-pirates/id1029168774/reviews.md

## What is Spades Cutthroat Pirates?

Spades is presented like never before, in this unique story-driven twist on the classic card game. Pressed into service by pirates, you must match wits with the crew before facing off against Captain Anderson of the Rose Marie to win your freedom. 

You’ve played Spades—now play Spades with Pirates!

Features:
•Extremely competitive computer Opponents/AI that do not cheat (with the exception of Crackers; he will rat you out).
•4 Player Partner custom game mode. Choose your pirate partner in this most popular way to play Spades.
•6 chapters in a unique Cutthroat Story Mode, with increasing difficulty and a continuing story.
•13 Unique Opponents with their own personalities, backgrounds, voices, and skill.
•Featuring the extraordinary voice talent of John Varker and company.
•Tournament-style play in which the goal is to be the first to reach a predetermined number of wins.
•Compete for high scores on the Leaderboards in special tourneys.
•22 Achievements to complete.
•Custom Game mode: choose final score, tournament wins, opponents, and more. 
•Unlock Custom Game Opponents: through purchase or by defeating the pirates in Story Mode.
•Custom soundtrack that sets the pirate mood, with more unlocked as you play.

Story excerpt: You wonder about the name of the ship. When you ask Hamish, he gives you a disquieted look and beckons you closer. “None of us know, at least not the whole story, but never ask the Cap'n. He's mor'n likely to bleed ya back and toss ya to the sharks.”

Discover the mystery aboard the Rose Marie.

## Key features

- Story-driven twist on classic Spades
- Competitive AI opponents
- 4 Player Partner custom game mode
- 6 chapters of Cutthroat Story Mode
- 13 unique opponents with personalities
- Tournament-style play
- Leaderboard competition

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Custom Game Mode | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Continue Story | $0.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-cutthroat-pirates/id1029168774/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Give 5 stars but...

*2019-11-27, version 1.49*

It is frustrating when you know the computer sets you up plus giving 7’s plus back to back to one opponent knowing you will get nowhere. If that did not happen so frequently I would rate 5 stars.

### 5/5 — Very Well Done! Addictive

*2017-09-10, version 1.2.3*

This game gets me to laugh out loud, enjoy a well-written adventure, all while playing good cards. 

You can cut the music off by tapping the violin. Then, you play to the relaxing sound of the ocean waves, the creaking ship, and pirate card banter! It takes you through a fun and detailed story, while playing spades. You can click on each of the Pirates and learn their background. Legend has it . . . Ha! The writing of the story and the lines the Pirates say are quite enjoyable and funny!  Thank you for also having the words printed on screen. 

You can also set it so they talk less, if you lose the tourney against them and play the same people. It happily took me awhile to beat everyone, and now I see that there are tourneys and other new ways to keep playing.

It's free, or for $1 you can stop the commercials. Otherwise, it's nice and easy to mute them. Touch the megaphone on screen. The game is free, but up to $3 max for a few perks. I paid for the not required perks, and definitely got my money's worth. 

WAY better than the other card games apps I've played. Thank you for making it so entertaining. Well done!

### 5/5 — Thrilling card game

*2017-06-23, version 1.2.2*

A game the whole family can play and enjoy. My 12 yr old and my husband love to play... we love to see who's the farthest along in the game, a bit of friendly family competition.  We all give it five stars... 15stars totally 😁😁

### 5/5 — New spin on spades

*2017-05-28, version 1.0.1*

I play spades a lot and this app has the best A.I. I have found so far. I like this three man version of spades its a lot of fun.

### 5/5 — AH-MAY-ZING GAME

*2017-02-26, version 1.0.1*

So as u alll know I'm Larry's step daughter ! The famous "candace" ... he talks about me a lot doesn't he? Well this game passed my inspection . I'm really picky on the games that take my time and this one won't waste your time for sure!!😁😅😂 the story line is pretty chill as well I think it needs some more advertisement. Hey ted Ima make a commercial for your app!!

### 5/5 — Finally a 3 handed spades app that is worth a duece

*2016-11-02, version 1.0.1*

It's nice to finally see a three handed (or four handed for that matter) spades app that had some thought and planning put into it.  The AI is much better than anything i've seen on the other spades apps out there, and especially for cut throat, which has many more variables than partner spades.  The AI on most of the spades apps out there seems to be written by someone that never got any further into learning the game than reading the rule book, but this one will make you work for it.  I've been playing cut throat for many years now, and you can expect to get set several times before you beat the Captian and Cracker.  

The designer obviously put some thought and planning into the story and graphics.  Well done sir.

So overall i'd rate the AI as best i've played against, great job incorporating the jacks and special rules into the game, good job on the graphics and music.  And nice touch with the characters' voices.

Muy bien.

### 5/5 — Ahoy, Matey!

*2016-11-01, version 1.0.1*

The graphics and storyline set the mood of an adventure on the high seas. The characters of the shipmates are comical and keep the game entertaining as you play.  The game of spades is played between you and two of the crew.  The sea shanties will have you humming along and the giggles are plenty.  This is a fun game indeed. Highly recommended.

### 5/5 — Cut throat 👍🏼

*2016-11-01, version 1.0*

Really fun game definitely worth it!

### 5/5 — Awesome game!

*2016-10-30, version 1.0*

Highly recommend giving this fun spades game a try.

## Frequently asked questions about Spades Cutthroat Pirates

### What is Spades Cutthroat Pirates?

Spades Cutthroat Pirates is a unique take on the classic Spades card game, featuring a story-driven adventure with pirate characters. It offers competitive AI, partner play, and various game modes.

### Does Spades Cutthroat Pirates have ads?

Yes, Spades Cutthroat Pirates contains advertisements. These ads are present to support the free-to-play model of the game.

### How challenging are the AI opponents in Spades Cutthroat Pirates?

The game features extremely competitive AI opponents with unique personalities and skill levels, designed to provide a challenging experience. One opponent, Crackers, is noted for potentially cheating.

### Can I play Spades Cutthroat Pirates with friends?

Yes, Spades Cutthroat Pirates offers a 4 Player Partner custom game mode, allowing you to choose a pirate partner and play with others.

### What is the story mode in Spades Cutthroat Pirates?

The Cutthroat Story Mode consists of 6 chapters with increasing difficulty and a continuing narrative. Players must match wits with pirate crew members to win their freedom.

### What devices is Spades Cutthroat Pirates available on?

Spades Cutthroat Pirates is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, indicating compatibility with Apple's mobile operating systems.

### How often is Spades Cutthroat Pirates updated?

The latest version of Spades Cutthroat Pirates is 1.66, and it was last updated on July 26, 2023. This suggests regular updates to improve the game.

### What is the age rating for Spades Cutthroat Pirates?

Spades Cutthroat Pirates has an age rating of 12+, making it suitable for players aged 12 and above.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.66 — 2023-07-26

-Leaderboard saved games are now correctly saving. Some incorrect leaderboard games may be deleted.
-You may now Strike Your Colors in Leaderboard games at the end of a hand if you are more than 200 behind the leader. If the tourney isn’t over the tourney will continue.
-New Leaderboard Training Match has been added. You may now practice using the Finesse based scoring system of Leaderboards before playing in an official match.

### 1.65 — 2023-06-29

-Parrots Parley Daily, play three hands and rake in the Swashbuckles. The catch is…Crackers, that vile parrot, bids for you.
	What!? Crackers wants me to get 8? Is he mad!
	No, he is CRACKERS!
-All leaderboards now have their own saved game. This will allow you greater freedom over which leaderboard games to play and when.
-Quick Fix 1.65 on some devices gestures (swipes) from the bottom of the screen are now deferred, meaning you'll need to swipe up twice instead of once. This is to prevent accidentally minimizing the app when playing a card.

### 1.64 — 2023-06-28

-New Parrots Parley Daily, play three hands and rake in the Swashbuckles. The catch is…Crackers, that vile parrot, bids for you.
	What!? Crackers wants me to get 8? Is he mad!
	No, he is CRACKERS!
-All leaderboards now have their own saved game. This will allow you greater freedom over which leaderboard games to play and when.
-Quick Fix 1.64 the Leaderboard screen no longer falsely reports you are offline and other improvements.

### 1.63 — 2023-06-27

-New Parrots Parley Daily, play three hands and rake in the Swashbuckles. The catch is…Crackers, that vile parrot, bids for you.
	What!? Crackers wants me to get 8? Is he mad!
	No, he is CRACKERS!
-All leaderboards now have their own saved game. This will allow you greater freedom over which leaderboard games to play and when.
-Many more improvements and fixes, see the in-game What’s New page for more details.

### 1.62 — 2023-05-13

-Graphics overhaul 1.1
-Several more AI hiccups addressed and other bug fixes and improvements.

## Apps similar to Spades Cutthroat Pirates

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Spades Online: Card Games](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-online-card-games/id6612028447) | 4.9 (10,598) | Free | Games |
| [Spades Plus - Card Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-plus-card-game/id834185106) | 4.7 (179,032) | Free | Games |
| [Spades Masters - Card Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-masters-card-game/id1370702757) | 4.7 (37,169) | Free | Games |
| [Spades Star - Offline](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-star-offline/id1397165989) | 4.5 (106) | Free | Games |
| [Spades Classic Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-classic-game/id1567197836) | 4.2 (140) | Free | Games |
| [Spades Card Game*](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spades-card-game/id897911884) | 4.4 (380) | Free | Games |

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-19.*
