Exploring the World of Card Games: A Deep Dive into Hearts

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, multiplier card game that combines a little skill with a lot of strategy, Hearts undoubtedly sits at the top table.

While the epic card game may seem a little daunting for new players, it doesn’t take long to understand the rules and basic strategies, although it can take a lifetime to master. In this guide, we’ll uncover the answers to all of your key questions, including but not limited to;

• What is Hearts and its history?
• How do you play Hearts?
• Where can you play Hearts?
• What variations of Hearts are available?
• How can you become better at Hearts?

Once you get started, you will love it with your whole heart.

The Basics of Hearts

Hearts is a trick-taking card game that is normally played by four players. It uses a standard deck of cards, although online versions can include themed decks like Christmas Hearts, meaning each hand includes a total of 13 tricks.

The first trick is started by the player who has the 2 of Clubs. Play then moves in a clockwise circle. If a player has a card from the same suit (so any club for the first trick), it must be played. Otherwise, they can play a new suit (known as breaking the suit). At the end of the trick, the person who played the highest card in the chosen suit will collect all four cards.

A player receives 1 point for each heart card that they receive, and 13 points if they collect the Queen of Spades. So, each hand contains a total of 26 points.

The game is played until one player reaches a predetermined score (often 100 points), at which point the person with the lowest score is deemed the winner. With a 100-point milestone in place, you should expect to play 5-7 hands, which takes around 15-20 minutes.

Strategy Tips for Hearts

Hearts players will develop their own playing styles and tactics with experience. Nonetheless, implementing a strategy is highly advised if you want to keep winning at Hearts. As a beginner, some of the most effective strategies are;

• Hold the low spades so that you can avoid picking up the Queen of Spades.
• Play high cards when the trick looks likely to be a non-scoring trick.
• Get rid of the King and Ace of Spades as early as possible without taking the Queen.
• Lead with low spades or low hearts where possible to avoid taking scoring tricks.
• Keep the Ace of Hearts - it can help you Shoot the Moon or stop an opponent.

Online Hearts Tournaments

Most casual players will enjoy playing Hearts against AI opponents, enjoying themed versions like St Patrick’s Hearts. However, it is also possible to play online tournaments against players from around the world.

Some of the best outlets include;

• VIP Hearts weekly tournaments.
• Local tournaments held in casinos or other venues.
• Hearts Online Multiplayer games.

Whether playing for fun, pride, or money is up to you. Either way, brushing up your skills on 247 Hearts is highly advised.

Mastering the Art of Shooting the Moon

Generally speaking, you spend the majority of the hand trying to avoid the collection of scoring cards. However, there is one exception, known as Shooting the Moon.

Shooting the Moon is defined as collecting all 14 scoring cards (The Ace to King of Hearts, plus the Queen of Spades) and completely changes the dynamics of the hand. If you successfully do this, you score 0 points while all other players score 26 points.

It is a risky strategy, though, as you could potentially pick up 13 scoring cards only to have another player collect the last one. In this case, you would pick up 25 points while the other three only receive one point between them. So, if you plan to Shoot the Moon, you should;

• Ensure that you have at least some of the royalty cards.
• Try to string together a run of tricks as soon as the hearts have been broken.
• Keep leading with high heart cards or the Queen of Spades.
• Pay attention to when the highest cards in each suit have been played.
• Abandon the plan as soon as a scoring trick is lost.

Hearts Variations to Try

Most beginners will initially focus on mastering traditional Hearts, not least because it will probably be the most commonly played variant for life. However, there are several variants that you may wish to try as they add an extra layer of excitement and may help develop your skills.

The main alternatives to traditional Hearts are as follows:

• Two-Player Hearts - As the name suggests, this variant is plagued by two people rather than four. The deck is reduced to 26 cards (3s, 5s, 7s, 9s, Js, and Ks are removed) while the other rules and scoring remain.
• Cancellation Hearts - In this variant, two packs of cards are used. Pairs cancel each other out during each trick (hence the name) but still contribute to the round scoring. It is played by 5-11 players with cards added/removed depending on the number.
• Passing Hearts - Passing Hearts is when players can pass three cards to another player at the start of a hand. In four-player, you’ll pass left, then right, and finally opposite with the fourth hand being a “hold hand”. Rules are dedicated in advance.
• Omnibus Hearts - In this version of Hearts, the 10 of Diamonds is worth minus 10 points. Moreover, Shooting the Moon, including the 10 of Diamonds, causes a 36-point penalty as well as a 26-point bonus for all other players.

Depending on the variant, your strategy may need to change. However, general play remains largely the same across all versions.

Building Your Hearts Skills

Hearts is a game that most players will learn to understand after just a few hands, particularly if they are already familiar with other trick-taking card games. However, developing your skills requires a conscious effort.

Here are five top tips to help you become a better Hearts player capable of winning more hands.

• Play against AI (computer) opponents. Here at 247 Hearts, you can start against Easy opponents before working your way up. Crucially, it enables you to take your time with each move. Once you start to understand the reasoning behind specific moves, you can begin to work on your speed.
• Play other popular card games and strategy games. Adding variety can help you develop a range of skills from logic and critical thinking to perception. Other trick-taking games like Spades are ideal, but Solitaire and Poker can deliver significant benefits too.
• Pay attention to the Pass. If you receive low Hearts, your opponent is probably shooting for the moon. Or if you get cards from one suit, the opponent is building a void, meaning you should avoid playing high cards in this suit. A mental note of this can give you an advantage for the hand.
• Try to read people’s faces. Some people have telltale signs about whether they hold good or bad cards, which could help you predict who has the hearts as well as which players have high or low cards. In turn, you may be able to prioritize which player you try to outperform. Of course, this can only be used against human players.
• Make a mental note of the scoring cards that have been played. This way, you can calculate whether it is worth playing a high-scoring heart because you can’t avoid taking the trick or whether you should play a low-scoring heart due to higher cards still being held by other players.

The History of Hearts

Hearts is a game that most people have played at least once, even if they didn’t understand the rules, as a result of it appearing as one of the games on Windows throughout the 1990s-2010s. It played a huge role in aiding computer literacy in the early days of home PCs.

However, the game itself can be traced back to the 18th century and Reversis. Hearts itself emerged in the late 19th century with the Queen of Spades penalty being added in the early 20th century. The game grew in popularity over the 20th century and is now played by millions.

A World Championship was held in 2002, but most games are played between friends or online.

Finding Hearts Community Online

One of the great things about Hearts is that, even though it is a multiplayer game, you can play it alone against opponents of varying skill levels thanks to 247 Hearts. Moreover, you can play a game in just a few minutes while there is no need to dedicate all of your time to the game like you do with many of the most popular modern video games. Still, with millions of players around the world, there is a thriving Hearts community too.

There are many places to find other fans, including but not limited to;

• Meetup groups where you can join local Hearts fans.
• Online forums dedicated to Hearts, like Spyderco.
• Facebook groups dedicated to Hearts or card games in general.

Whether playing against your online friends or simply discussing tips and your love of cards, the social element can take your enjoyment to the next level.

DISCLAIMER: The games on this website are using PLAY (fake) money. No payouts will be awarded, there are no "winnings", as all games represented by 247 Games LLC are free to play. Play strictly for fun.