Learn how to play Hearts easily with our step-by-step guide. Discover the rules and strategies for winning this classic card game and become the champion of family game night!

What Do You Need to Play Hearts?

To play Hearts, you only need a standard 52-card deck.

How Many People Can Play Hearts at One Time?

Hearts can be played by 3 to 7 players, but the optimal number is 4 players for the best experience.

The Object of the Game

Hearts is a trick-taking game where the goal is to avoid accumulating points. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins. Points are gained by taking tricks containing hearts (1 point each) or the Queen of Spades (13 points).

Ranking of Cards in Hearts

In Hearts, cards are ranked from Ace (highest) to 2 (lowest) in each suit.

How to Play Hearts

1. Dealing Cards: Each player is dealt 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck. The Jokers are excluded.
2. Passing Cards: At the start of each round, players pass 3 cards to another player in a predetermined direction (left, right, or across). In the fourth round, players keep their cards.
3. Leading the First Trick: The player with the 2 of Clubs leads the first trick. Each player must follow suit if possible. If a player cannot follow suit, they may play any card.
4. Winning Tricks: The highest card of the suit led wins the trick, and the winner leads the next trick. Hearts cannot be led until they have been “broken” (played in a previous trick).

Do you have a easier time learning from video?, check out this video below:

How to Deal Cards

1. Shuffle and Cut: Shuffle the deck and let players cut.
2. Dealing: Deal one card at a time clockwise until each player has 13 cards.

How to Keep Score

1. Count Tricks: After all cards are played, count the tricks.
2. Penalty Points: Each heart is worth 1 point, and the Queen of Spades is worth 13 points.
3. Shooting the Moon: If a player takes all penalty cards (13 hearts and the Queen of Spades), they get 0 points, and all other players get 26 points.
4. Winning the Game: The game ends when a player reaches 100 points, and the player with the lowest score wins.

Common Rule Variations

• Two of Clubs Leads: The player with the 2 of Clubs always leads the first trick.
• No Point Cards on First Trick: Hearts and the Queen of Spades cannot be played on the first trick.
• Kitty: Leftover cards form a “kitty” taken by the first player to win a trick.
• Passing Cards: Cards are passed in a specific pattern: left, right, across, then no pass.

British Version of Hearts (Black Maria)

• Number of Players: Usually 3 players.
• Cards: 17 cards dealt to each player (2 of Clubs removed).
• Leading and Passing: No restrictions on leading cards.
• Scoring: Various schemes, including 1 point for each heart and higher points for certain Spades.

Best Cards to Pass in Hearts

• Spades: Pass high cards like the Queen, King, and Ace of Spades.
• Hearts: Pass high hearts (Ace, King, Queen) to avoid penalty points.
• Clubs and Diamonds: Pass high cards in these suits to reduce your chances of taking tricks.

Easiest Way to Play Hearts

• Drop a Suit Early: Aim to void a suit early to control the game.
• Play High Cards Safely: Play high cards when you’re sure they won’t take a trick.
• Avoid Taking Penalty Cards: Steer clear of hearts and the Queen of Spades unless you’re shooting the moon.

Final Tips

• Observe Opponents: Watch the cards your opponents pass and play to anticipate their strategies.
• High Card Strategy: Use high cards strategically to avoid taking additional tricks.
• Avoid Leading with Aces: Especially when the Queen of Spades is still in play.
• Find other sources: You can read information here aswell.

How To Play Hearts quizz

Welcome to our Hearts quiz! Test your understanding of the game rules, strategies, and tips. See how well you can play this classic card game!

Hearts Quiz

Interactive Game Scenario

Let’s simulate a round of Hearts! Imagine you’re playing a four-player game. You’ve just been dealt your cards and need to decide which three cards to pass. Here are your cards:

Your Hand:

• Ace of Hearts
• King of Spades
• Queen of Diamonds
• 2 of Clubs
• 3 of Diamonds
• Jack of Hearts
• 10 of Spades
• 4 of Clubs
• 5 of Hearts
• 6 of Diamonds
• 7 of Clubs
• 8 of Hearts
• 9 of Spades

Answers & Explanations

Option A: This is the best choice as it gets rid of high-risk cards that can accumulate points.

Option B: Not ideal, as these are low cards and don’t pose much risk.

Option C: Passing the Queen of Diamonds might be safe, but passing hearts is risky unless you aim to shoot the moon.

Option D: Similar to Option B, these cards are not high-risk

Quiz Questions

1. What is the primary objective of the game Hearts?

• A) To have the highest score
• B) To collect as many tricks as possible
• C) To avoid taking tricks with hearts or the Queen of Spades
• D) To play all your cards first

2. How many players can play Hearts optimally?

• A) 2
• B) 4
• C) 5
• D) 6

3. What card must be played to lead the first trick?

• A) Ace of Hearts
• B) Two of Clubs
• C) Queen of Spades
• D) Any heart card

4. What happens if a player "shoots the moon"?

• A) They get 26 points
• B) They subtract 26 points from their score
• C) All other players get 26 points
• D) Both B and C

5. Which cards are generally best to pass to opponents?

• A) Low cards of any suit
• B) High hearts and high spades
• C) Any three random cards
• D) High diamonds and clubs

Interactive Game Scenario

Let's simulate a round of Hearts! Imagine you're playing a four-player game. You've just been dealt your cards and need to decide which three cards to pass. Here are your cards:

Your Hand:

• Ace of Hearts
• King of Spades
• Queen of Diamonds
• 2 of Clubs
• 3 of Diamonds
• Jack of Hearts
• 10 of Spades
• 4 of Clubs
• 5 of Hearts
• 6 of Diamonds
• 7 of Clubs
• 8 of Hearts
• 9 of Spades

Question: Which three cards would you pass to your opponent?

• Option A: Ace of Hearts, King of Spades, 10 of Spades
• Option B: 2 of Clubs, 3 of Diamonds, 4 of Clubs
• Option C: Queen of Diamonds, Jack of Hearts, 5 of Hearts
• Option D: 7 of Clubs, 8 of Hearts, 9 of Spades

Answer & Explanation:

• Option A: This is the best choice as it gets rid of high-risk cards that can accumulate points.
• Option B: Not ideal, as these are low cards and don't pose much risk.
• Option C: Passing the Queen of Diamonds might be safe, but passing hearts is risky unless you aim to shoot the moon.
• Option D: Similar to Option B, these cards are not high-risk.

Answers to Quiz Questions:

1. C) To avoid taking tricks with hearts or the Queen of Spades

• The primary goal is to avoid penalty points.

2. B) 4

• Four players make for the optimal Hearts game.

3. B) Two of Clubs

• The player with the 2 of Clubs always leads the first trick.

4. D) Both B and C

• Shooting the moon allows you to subtract 26 points from your score and add 26 points to all other players.

5. B) High hearts and high spades

• These cards are likely to get you points, so they are good to pass.

It's All Fun and Games!

Remember, the key to Hearts is to keep your score low. Pay attention to your opponents' moves, pass the right cards, and play strategically. Enjoy the game and may the best player win!

For more detailed guides on card games, check out Card Game Zone and Cribbage: The Complete Guide.