Game guide · MIBDF
Getting started with Hearts
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. Four players each receive thirteen cards. Pass three cards left, right, across, then hold on successive hands. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Four-player free Hearts against three local computers, to 100 points. This table breaks hearts only with a heart, not with Q♠. No cash play or internet matchmaking.
Something to practise
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. On the first trick, do not discard a heart or Q♠ unless no non-penalty card is available. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The purpose of your moves
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Follow these playing steps
- Four players each receive thirteen cards. Pass three cards left, right, across, then hold on successive hands.
- The player holding 2♣ leads the first trick. Follow suit whenever possible.
- On the first trick, do not discard a heart or Q♠ unless no non-penalty card is available.
- Hearts may lead only after a heart has been played, unless your whole hand consists of hearts.
- The highest card of the led suit wins the trick. Each heart adds one penalty point and Q♠ adds thirteen.
- Taking all 26 penalty points in one hand shoots the moon: your score gains zero and each opponent gains 26.
- After all thirteen tricks, choose Next hand. The match ends once anyone reaches 100; the lowest total wins.
Using the playing area
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Select three cards and press Pass selected cards during passing. During play, tap a legal card. Next hand continues the match; New match resets totals. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Put the rules into context
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. A trick containing 2♥, 8♥, Q♠ and 5♣ carries fifteen penalty points: two hearts plus the queen of spades.
A useful caution
Read the position before choosing your next action. Having a high card in another suit does not win a trick. Only the highest rank in the suit that was led can win it. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
If you are unsure
For this game, what is the aim of Hearts?
Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Select three cards and press Pass selected cards during passing. During play, tap a legal card. Next hand continues the match; New match resets totals. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, can you show an example?
A trick containing 2♥, 8♥, Q♠ and 5♣ carries fifteen penalty points: two hearts plus the queen of spades. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
Having a high card in another suit does not win a trick. Only the highest rank in the suit that was led can win it. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, what rules and limits are used here?
Four-player free Hearts against three local computers, to 100 points. This table breaks hearts only with a heart, not with Q♠. No cash play or internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
How many people can play here?
You vs 3 computers. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
How does passing work?
Select three cards. The direction cycles left, right, across and no pass, repeating each four hands. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, does Q♠ break hearts?
Not at this table. A heart must have been played before hearts can lead, unless the leader holds only hearts. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, what is shooting the moon?
Collect all thirteen hearts and Q♠ in the same hand; each opponent receives 26 points while you receive zero. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, how does the match end?
After a completed hand takes anyone to at least 100 total points. The lowest score wins; equal lowest scores share the result. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
