Hearts: Strategic Play & Rules Guide is a classic trick-taking card game for four players, where the goal is to avoid taking certain cards that carry penalty points. Here’s how you can master this exciting game:
Objective
The aim is to finish the game with the fewest points. Players must dodge hearts and the Queen of Spades, which add penalty points.
Setup
- Use a standard 52-card deck.
- Each player gets 13 cards.
- Players choose three cards to pass to an opponent, except every fourth hand where no cards are passed.
Gameplay
- Play starts with the person holding the 2 of Clubs.
- Players must follow suit if possible; otherwise, they can play any card.
- No hearts or the Queen of Spades can be played on the first trick.
Scoring
| Card | Penalty Points |
|---|---|
| Each Heart | 1 Point |
| Queen of Spades | 13 Points |
Winning Tips
- Avoid taking hearts and especially the Queen of Spades.
- Consider “Shooting the Moon” by trying to take all penalty cards.
- Pay close attention to the cards that have been played.