Hearts

How to play Hearts

Hearts is a classic trick-taking card game for four players, where the aim is to avoid points. You play against three computer players.

1. Pass three cards. Before each round, pick three cards to pass: to the left, then right, then across, then no pass, repeating.
2. The 2 of clubs leads the first trick.
3. Follow suit if you can. If you can’t, play any card. The highest card of the suit led wins the trick, and the winner leads next.
4. Points. Each heart you win is 1 point; the Queen of spades is 13. No points can be played on the first trick unless you have nothing else.
5. Hearts must be broken. You can’t lead a heart until one has been played, unless you have only hearts.
6. Shoot the moon. Take all 13 hearts and the Queen of spades in one round, and everyone else gets 26 points instead.
7. The game ends when someone reaches 100. The lowest score wins.

Quick tips for winning

• Pass the danger. The Queen, King and Ace of spades are risky unless you have plenty of spades to protect them.
• Empty a suit. Passing all your clubs or diamonds lets you dump points when that suit is led.
• Duck. When following suit, play the highest card that still loses the trick.
• Watch for the moon. If one player is winning every heart, take one yourself to stop them.

Hearts FAQ