Hearts is a classic trick-taking card game, traditionally played with four players. The objective of the game is to avoid scoring points by not taking certain cards that are worth points. This guide will explain the rules and scoring system in Hearts, providing you with everything you need to start playing and enjoying the game.
Basic Setup
The game uses a standard 52-card deck, with each player receiving 13 cards. Players aim to avoid collecting hearts and the Queen of Spades, as these cards carry penalty points.
Card Values
- Each heart card: 1 point
- Queen of Spades: 13 points
- Other cards: 0 points
Dealing and Passing Cards
At the beginning of each round, the dealer shuffles the deck and deals 13 cards to each player. Before the play starts, players pass three cards to another player. The direction of the pass changes each round:
- First round: Pass to the left
- Second round: Pass to the right
- Third round: Pass across the table
- Fourth round: No passing
Gameplay
The player holding the 2 of clubs starts the first trick, with subsequent players following suit if possible. If a player cannot follow suit, they may play any other card except a heart or the Queen of Spades on the first trick. Hearts cannot be led until a heart or the Queen of Spades has been played in a previous trick (known as “breaking hearts”).
Scoring
After all 13 tricks have been played, players tally their penalty points based on the cards they have taken. The goal is to have the lowest score possible. However, there’s an interesting twist known as “Shooting the Moon.”
Shooting the Moon
If a player manages to collect all 13 hearts and the Queen of Spades in one round, they score zero points and each of their opponents receives 26 points. This high-risk strategy can dramatically change the course of the game.
Winning the Game
The game continues until one player reaches or exceeds a predetermined score, usually 100 points. The player with the lowest score at this point wins.
Sample Scoring Table
| Player | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player A | 10 | 5 | 20 | 35 |
| Player B | 15 | 0 | 10 | 25 |
| Player C | 5 | 25 | 30 | 60 |
| Player D | 20 | 10 | 5 | 35 |
The key to mastering Hearts lies in strategy and careful planning, making it a challenging and fun game for all ages. Now that you understand the rules and scoring, gather your friends and start playing Hearts!