Hearts

Strategic Evasion • Risk Management • Trick-Taking Classic
Hearts Card Game

Master the game of avoiding penalty points. In Hearts, the goal is to have the lowest score by dodging Heart cards and the dreaded Queen of Spades.

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How to Play

1

The Passing Phase

At the start of most rounds, choose three cards to pass to an opponent. Use this opportunity to get rid of high Spades or dangerous high-value cards.

2

Leading the Trick

The player with the 2 of Clubs leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible. If you can't follow suit, you can play any other card (except on the first trick).

3

Avoid the Penalties

Each Heart card is worth 1 penalty point. The Queen of Spades is worth a massive 13 points. The winner of the trick takes all penalty cards played in that turn.

4

Breaking Hearts

You cannot lead a trick with a Heart until "Hearts have been broken" (played as a discard on a previous trick) or unless you only have Hearts in your hand.

Common Questions

When does the game end?
The game typically ends when one player reaches 100 points. The player with the lowest score at that moment is declared the winner.

Can I play penalty cards on the first trick?
Standard rules state that you cannot play a Heart or the Queen of Spades on the very first trick of a round, even if you cannot follow the lead suit (Clubs).