E-Man's Sprite R & D

[StarSock64]

Well, there's not really a hard-and-fast rule when it comes to number of shades. It depends on a lot of factors, from size (bigger sprite means more shades might be necessary, and bigger areas within a single sprite may need more rendering than smaller areas), to practicality (less shades=easier=faster production and cleaner-looking work), to plain old personal preference.

I don't even think about my shading in terms of how many shades I have. I never count my shades if I don't have a reason to. Instead, I typically think of things like:

1) Are my shades currently providing maximum clarity/readability?
2) Are my shades currently demonstrating a proper amount of depth?
3) Can I combine existing shades without losing anything important?
4) Will adding a shade contribute to readability and depth? Will it make it look more muddy and cluttered?

These are things that you learn over time through observation and practice. Don't feel like there's a golden rule you should stick to. Just go with what feels right and ask for advice like you are and keep doing your best!