Hearts is a trick-taking card game that can be played with three to six players. It is typically played with standard playing cards, but can also be played with specialized decks. The goal of the game is to have the lowest score at the end of each hand. In this guide, we will explain the rules and strategies of Hearts, so you can start playing and winning!
The Rules of Hearts
At the beginning of each hand, each player is dealt 13 cards. The player with the two of clubs starts the first trick. In each trick, players in turn play one card, and the highest card of the suit led wins the trick. The winner of the trick leads the next one.
There is one important twist in Hearts: if a player cannot follow suit, they may play any card, including a heart. Hearts are also worth one penalty point each, while the queen of spades worth 13 points.
The game ends when one player reaches 100 points or more. At that point, the player with the lowest score wins.
Basic Strategies of Hearts
The first strategy you should employ when playing Hearts is to try to avoid taking penalty points. To do this, you should try to avoid winning tricks that contain hearts or the queen of spades. If you have a hand full of hearts, try to lose them all at once, if possible. If you have the queen of spades, aim to take it late in the game.
Another strategy is to try to force your opponents to take penalty points. If you lead hearts early in the game, other players might be forced to play hearts, which could give them penalty points. You should also try to take tricks that other players want to win, such as the first or last trick in a hand.
Advanced Strategies of Hearts
One advanced strategy is called “shooting the moon.” This means trying to take all 13 penalty points in a single hand. If you succeed, you will actually end up with zero points for that hand, while your opponents will each gain 26 points! This is a risky move, but it can be a game-changer if you pull it off.
Another advanced strategy is to keep track of which cards have been played, so you know which cards are still in play. If you notice that all of the high hearts have been played, for example, you might be able to win tricks with lower hearts safely. This takes practice and a good memory, but it can give you a significant advantage in the game.
Hearts is a classic card game that is easy to learn, but difficult to master. By following these rules and strategies, you can start playing and improving your skills right away. Remember to avoid penalty points, try to force your opponents to take them, and be mindful of your opponent’s strategies. Good luck, and have fun playing Hearts!
