Game guide · MMMGZY
Hearts: learn through an example
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. Four players each receive thirteen cards. Pass three cards left, right, across, then hold on successive hands.
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.
Take a closer look while playing
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.
What the game asks you to do
Check the rule below as you play. Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
From the start of a round
- 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
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
See how the rules apply
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. A trick containing 2♥, 8♥, Q♠ and 5♣ carries fifteen penalty points: two hearts plus the queen of spades. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A mistake to avoid
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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.
A few questions answered
During a round, what is the aim of Hearts?
Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. No download or player account is required.
For this game, 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 game is played locally in your browser.
How many people can play here?
You vs 3 computers. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, how does passing work?
Select three cards. The direction cycles left, right, across and no pass, repeating each four hands. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, 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.
When I start, what is shooting the moon?
Collect all thirteen hearts and Q♠ in the same hand; each opponent receives 26 points while you receive zero. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
