Hearts is a classic four-player trick-taking card game with a twist: you want the lowest score. Every Heart you take adds 1 penalty point, and the Queen of Spades costs 13 points. The game ends when someone reaches 100, and the lowest score wins. Simple on the surface, but full of timing and risk.
What is Hearts?
Hearts is a penalty avoidance card game for four players, using a standard 52-card deck. Players try to avoid taking tricks that contain Hearts or the Queen of Spades. It’s a game of careful planning, memory, and reading your opponents. This online version pits you against three computer opponents with a clean interface and smooth gameplay. Perfect for both newcomers and longtime fans, Hearts is a staple of the Casual gaming world.
This classic Retro card game challenges your strategic thinking. You’ll need to decide which cards to pass, when to break Hearts, and how to avoid the dreaded Queen of Spades. It’s a game of Logic and memory that rewards patience. The computer opponents simulate Multiplayer competition, making each hand feel fresh.
How to Play Hearts
The Passing Phase
Before each hand begins, players pass three cards to an opponent. The direction rotates: first hand pass left, second pass right, third pass across, fourth hand no passing. Use this to dump high cards or risky Spades.
The First Trick
The player holding the 2 of Clubs leads the opening trick. In this first trick, no one may play Hearts or the Queen of Spades, even if they can’t follow suit.
Following Suit
When a suit is led, you must play a card of that suit if you have one. If not, you can play any card except Hearts or the Queen during the first trick. After that, you may discard any card.
Breaking Hearts
You cannot lead a Heart until someone has played a Heart because they couldn’t follow suit. This is called “breaking Hearts.” The Queen of Spades can be played anytime you can’t follow suit.
Winning the Trick
The highest card of the led suit wins the trick. The winner collects any penalty cards inside and starts the next trick. Play continues until all cards are played.
Scoring and Winning
Each Heart taken = 1 point. Queen of Spades = 13 points. The game ends when any player reaches 100 points or more. The player with the lowest total score wins.
Shooting the Moon
If you manage to capture all 13 Hearts and the Queen of Spades in one round, you score 0 points and every other player receives 26 points. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can flip the game.
Tips and Tricks for Hearts
Dump High Cards Early Pass away high Spades and Hearts during the trade phase to reduce your risk.
Short-Suit a Suit Get rid of all cards in one suit early so you can discard penalty cards when that suit is led.
Watch the Queen of Spades If the Queen hasn’t appeared, be cautious playing high Spades. You might be forced to take her.
Stop the Moon If you suspect a player is shooting the moon, take at least one penalty card to stop them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of Hearts?
The goal is to have the lowest score by avoiding taking Hearts (1 point each) and the Queen of Spades (13 points).
How do you win at Hearts?
Win by ending the game with the fewest points. The game ends when someone reaches 100 points. If there’s a tie for lowest, continue until one player wins.
What is shooting the moon in Hearts?
Shooting the moon is when one player collects all 13 Hearts and the Queen of Spades in a single hand. That player scores 0, and all opponents get 26 points.
Can you play Hearts online for free?
Yes, this browser version is free to play with no download required. Just click and play against three AI opponents.