Hearts is a classic trick-taking card game that can be enjoyed with three or more players. The objective is to avoid collecting hearts and the Queen of Spades. Here’s a quick guide on how to play the Hearts card game.
Setup and Objective
To start playing Hearts, you need a standard deck of 52 cards. The game is typically played with four players, but you can adjust the rules for different numbers of participants. The primary goal is to have the lowest score by avoiding specific cards throughout the game.
The Deal
Each player is dealt 13 cards in a clockwise manner. After the deal, players must select three cards to pass to another player. The passing direction changes each round:
- First Round: Pass to the left
- Second Round: Pass to the right
- Third Round: Pass across
- Fourth Round: No passing
The Play
The player with the 2 of Clubs begins the game by leading with that card. Players must follow the suit if possible; if they cannot, they may play any other card. Note that hearts and the Queen of Spades cannot be led until a heart is “broken” (played during a trick).
Following Suit
When a card is led, all players must follow suit if they have a card of that suit. If they do not, they can play any card.
Breaking Hearts
Hearts are “broken” when a player cannot follow suit and plays a heart. Once hearts are broken, subsequent tricks can be led with hearts.
Scoring
At the end of each hand, players tally up their scores based on the cards they’ve collected:
| Card | Points |
|---|---|
| Each Heart | 1 point |
| Queen of Spades | 13 points |
Players aim to avoid these cards to keep their scores low. If a player collects all 13 Hearts and the Queen of Spades, they have “shot the moon” and all other players receive 26 points instead.
Winning the Game
The game continues until one player reaches 100 points. At this point, the player with the lowest score is declared the winner. Strategies such as managing your high cards and tracking which suits have been played are crucial for success.
Tips for Beginners
- Pay attention to the cards being played; this helps in predicting opponents’ hands.
- Try to offload high-value cards early to avoid being stuck with them at the end.
- Remember the passing rotation and plan your strategy accordingly.
By following this guide, you’ll soon master the fascinating dynamics of Hearts and enjoy countless hours of strategic fun. Happy playing!