Family game evenings often include the card game Hearts, which is enjoyable and has strategic complexity. Everything from setup and regulations to winning tactics will be covered in this article. This article will provide the information you need to succeed, whether you’re a novice or trying to hone your talents.
Curtain-raiser to Hearts
The object of the traditional trick-taking card game Hearts is to avoid scoring points. In Hearts, the lowest score wins—unlike many other card games. Tricks, including hearts or the Queen of Spades, which both raise a player’s score, are avoided. Three to seven players may play; however, four is the best number.
What You Need to Play Hearts
To play Hearts, you’ll need:
- A standard 52-card deck (Jokers removed)
- A way to keep score (pen and paper, or a scorekeeping app)
Objective of Hearts
The main objective in Hearts is to have the fewest points by the time one player reaches a predetermined score, typically 100 points. Points are given for specific cards captured in tricks:
- Each heart card: 1 point
- Queen of Spades: 13 points
In some variations, additional cards may also carry point values.
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Card Rankings
In Hearts, cards are ranked from highest to lowest: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2. However, the ranking is primarily important for determining which card wins a trick.
Setting Up the Game
Number of Players
Hearts can be played with 3 to 7 players, but the game is best with four players.
Dealing Cards
- Shuffling and Cutting: The deck is shuffled and each player cuts for the deal. The player with the lowest card deals first.
- Dealing: Cards are dealt clockwise, one at a time, until all players have 13 cards (for four players).
- Passing Cards: Before each round begins, players select three cards to pass to another player. The direction of passing changes each round:
- First round: Pass to the left
- Second round: Pass to the right
- Third round: Pass across
- Fourth round: Keep your cards
Playing the Game
Leading and Following Suit
- First Trick: The player with the 2 of Clubs leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible.
- Subsequent Tricks: The winner of each trick leads the next. Players must follow suit if able; otherwise, they may play any card.
- Restrictions: No hearts or the Queen of Spades can be played on the first trick. Hearts cannot be led until they have been “broken” (played in a previous trick).
Winning Tricks
The player who plays the highest card of the suit led wins the trick and collects all the cards in that trick.
Scoring
After all tricks have been played, players count their penalty points:
- Each heart: 1 point
- Queen of Spades: 13 points
Shooting the Moon
If a player captures all 13 hearts and the Queen of Spades in a single round, they “Shoot the Moon.” This results in:
- That player receiving 0 points
- All other players received 26 points
Ending the Game
The game continues until one player reaches 100 points. The player with the lowest score at that time wins.
Common Variations
Card Passing
Some groups vary the passing sequence or choose not to pass cards at all during certain rounds.
Kitty
In games with fewer than four players, a “kitty” of leftover cards may be used, with special rules for how it is incorporated into the game.
Additional Penalty Cards
Some variations include additional high-penalty cards like the King or Ace of Spades.
Scoring Adjustments
Adjustments can be made such that players subtract points for specific achievements or have different scoring for certain cards.
Strategy Tips
Passing Cards
- High-Value Cards: Pass high-value hearts and the Queen of Spades if possible.
- Creating Voids: Pass cards to create a void in one suit, allowing you to discard high cards later.
Playing Tricks
- Leading Low: Start with low cards to avoid winning early tricks.
- Breaking Hearts: Try to be strategic about when hearts are broken.
- High Card Play: If you must take a trick, use the highest card of the suit led to avoid taking future tricks in that suit.
Observing Opponents
- Card Counting: Keep track of which high cards have been played.
- Behavior: Pay attention to the cards passed and played by opponents to gauge their strategy.
Common Rule Variation
While those are all of the basic rules, you may find that some people play Hearts with rule variations. You should be aware of these so that you can have the best chances of winning.
Two of Clubs
In some variations, the player who is dealt the Two of Clubs or receives it in a pass starts each hand. This player must lead with the Two of Clubs during the first play of their game.
First Trick Restrictions
On the first trick of each hand, no point card may be played. This ensures that no player can start accumulating points right away.
Hole Cards
In games with an uneven number of players, the leftover cards after dealing (other than a total of 4) are given face down to whoever takes the first heart.
Scoring Adjustments
In some variations, if a player Shoots the Moon, they can subtract 26 points from their score rather than adding 26 points to the other players. This can be advantageous if adding points to others would end the game unfavorably for the shooter.
Kitty Variations
Some versions deal with uneven hands by adding a kitty of leftover cards to the tricks of the first player who takes a penalty card.
British Version of Hearts (Black Maria)
The British version, known as Black Maria, is usually played with three players. The Two of Clubs is removed, and 17 cards are dealt to each player. For four players, all cards are dealt. Scoring schemes can vary significantly in this version, including:
- 1 point for each heart; 13 for the Queen of Spades
- Additional penalties for the King and Ace of Spades
- Scoring similar to Spot Hearts, with face value points for 2-10 of hearts, and higher points for J, Q, K, A of hearts and the Queen of Spades
Additional Strategies
Paying Attention to Card Passing
When passing cards, pay attention to what other players are passing. This can give you clues about their strategies and help you make better decisions during the game.
High Card Management
Use high cards strategically. If you’re going to take a trick, play your highest card to avoid taking another trick with the same suit.
Never Lead With an Ace
Leading with an Ace, especially when the Queen of Spades is still in play, is risky. It almost guarantees you’ll win the trick, which can be detrimental.
Final Tips for Playing Hearts
When it comes to the game of Hearts, always aim for the lowest score possible. Keep an eye on your opponents’ gameplay to try to determine their strategy. Remember what cards are the best to pass and pay attention to the other cards people are passing. This can help you win the game!
Summary
A game of depth in strategy and luck is hearts. Knowing the regulations and using wise tactics can help you to reduce your points and increase your chances of winning. Recall to watch what your opponents are doing and modify your plan as necessary. Practice makes you a proficient Hearts player prepared to take over your next family game night. Cheers to the winner, who ever is the finest strategist!
