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Outsmart the table in this classic trick taking card game. Free and full screen
In most card games you want as many points as possible because that is how you win. Hearts works differently. Here, your goal is simple: finish with as few points as possible, ideally zero. You need to avoid every Heart and the Queen of Spades because they give penalty points. Each round moves fast and every decision matters. Or you can take a bold risk and try to collect all penalty cards in a single round with a move called Shoot the Moon.
Getting to Know Hearts
Before each round starts, you pass three cards to another player. The direction changes every round: first left, then right, then across. The fourth round has no passing. After that, the cycle repeats. This is your chance to get rid of risky cards like the Queen of Spades or high Hearts.
Once the cards are passed, play begins. The first trick is always started by the player holding the Two of Clubs. In Hearts you must follow suit. For example, if Diamonds are played and you have a Diamond, you must play one. If you can’t follow suit, you can play another card, but you are not allowed to play a Heart or the Queen of Spades in the first trick. The highest card in the suit that was led wins the trick and leads the next one.
Example: In Figure 1, Linda started the trick with Clubs, so anyone with Clubs must follow. In this case, you have no Clubs, so you can play any other card.
What to Avoid and Why
You only get penalty points from Hearts and the Queen of Spades:
- Each Heart = 1 point
- Queen of Spades = 13 points
That means there are 26 penalty points in total each round, and you want to avoid every one of them. Unless you decide to go for the bold move...
Shooting the Moon
If you collect all 13 Hearts and the Queen of Spades in one round, you don’t get any points. Instead, all other players receive 26 points. This is called Shooting the Moon and it can completely change the game. But this is not easy to do. If someone blocks even one card, the plan fails and you end up with a lot of penalty points.
Quick Tips to Win at Hearts
Want to play smarter? Start with these:
- Lose a suit early: If you lose a suit like Diamonds early, you gain control and can safely dump Hearts or the Queen of Spades when that suit is led
- Use the pass: Remove dangerous high cards before play begins, especially high Hearts and the Queen of Spades. If you want to shoot the moon, pass low cards instead
- Stay low: Leading low cards early reduces your risk of taking tricks when penalty cards are still in play
- Track the Queen: Always know if the Queen of Spades is still out, this helps you decide when high Spades are safe
- Stop a moon: If you notice a player collecting Hearts, they may be trying to shoot the moon. Take 1 penalty point yourself to stop it.
Check the full Hearts rules and strategy guide here.
Why Play Hearts?
Hearts rewards smart play, patience and good timing. Every round feels different and keeps you thinking. It is easy to learn, quick to play and always competitive.
Now deal the cards, pass wisely and keep an eye on the Queen.
