How to play hearts

Have you ever found yourself at a gathering with friends on a rainy day, searching for the perfect card game to bring everyone together? Hearts is a classic trick-taking game that can add a competitive yet friendly twist to your get-together. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, understanding the rules and strategies can elevate your experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to play Hearts, so you can impress your friends and enjoy the game to its fullest.

To play Hearts, you need a standard 52-card deck and 3 to 6 players. The objective is to avoid gaining points from hearts and the Queen of Spades, as the player with the fewest points at the end wins.

Hearts is typically played with 3 to 6 players, although it is most enjoyable with four. Begin by removing the jokers from a standard 52-card deck. Each player is dealt 13 cards, and the game proceeds in rounds. Players try to “shoot the moon” by collecting all the heart cards and the Queen of Spades, thereby forcing opponents to take a 26-point penalty.

At the start of each round, players pass three cards to another player, which can be to the left, right, or across, depending on the round. Play begins with the player holding the 2 of clubs, and the suit must be followed if possible. If a player cannot follow suit, they may play any other card, but hearts cannot be played until someone has won a trick that includes hearts.

The game continues until one player reaches or exceeds 100 points. The player with the fewest points at that moment is declared the winner. Heart games blend strategy, social interaction, and a bit of luck, ensuring a fun experience for all. Get your friends together, shuffle the cards, and enjoy this timeless card game!