Hearts is a classic trick-taking card game that is perfect for four players. The objective of the game is to avoid taking any hearts or the queen of spades. It is a game of strategy and skill, and winning requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we will outline how to play Hearts, provide tips and tricks for winning, and offer a brief history of the game.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Objective of Hearts
- The Deck of Cards
- The Deal
- How to play Hearts.
- Playing a Trick
- Leading the Trick
- Following Suit
- Breaking Hearts
- Taking Tricks
- Scoring
- Tips and Tricks for Winning
- Keep Track of Cards Played
- Watch Your Opponents
- Avoid Taking the Queen of Spades Early
- Try to Dump High Cards Early
- Brief History of Hearts
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- What is the objective of Hearts?
- How do you score in Hearts?
- Can you lead with a heart on the first trick?
- Can you break hearts on the first trick?
- How many players can play Hearts?
The Objective of Hearts
The objective of Hearts is to have the lowest score at the end of the game. The game ends when one player reaches a predetermined score, usually 100 points. Points are earned by taking tricks that contain hearts or the queen of spades.
The Deck of Cards
Hearts is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The cards rank from high to low: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.
The Deal
The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 13 cards to each player, one at a time. The remaining cards are placed in a stack face down on the table.
How to play Hearts!
To set up a game of Hearts, you will need a standard deck of 52 cards. Remove the jokers, shuffle the cards, and deal them out to the four players (13 cards each). The player with the two of clubs goes first, and then play proceeds clockwise. The objective of Hearts is to avoid taking any hearts or the queen of spades. On each turn, players must follow suit if possible.
If they cannot follow suit, they may play any card. The highest card of the suit led wins the trick, and the winner of the trick leads the next one. Hearts cannot be led until they have been played in a previous trick, and the queen of spades cannot be led until it has been played in a previous trick or someone has played it on a trick where hearts were led. The game ends when one player reaches or exceeds 100 points, and the player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.
Playing a Trick
In Hearts, each round is called a trick. A trick consists of each player playing one card from their hand.
Leading the Trick
The player who has the two of clubs leads the first trick. If a player does not have the two of clubs, they can lead with any other card. The winner of each trick leads the next trick.
Following Suit
Players must follow suit if possible. If a player does not have a card of the suit led, they can play any other card. The highest card of the suit led wins the trick, unless a heart or the queen of spades is played.
Breaking Hearts
Hearts cannot be played until they have been “broken.” This means that hearts cannot be led until a heart has been played in a previous trick. Once hearts have been broken, players can lead with hearts.
Taking Tricks
Players earn points by taking tricks that contain hearts or the queen of spades. The player who takes the trick leads the next trick.
Scoring
At the end of each round, players count the number of hearts and the queen of spades they have taken. Each heart is worth one point, and the queen of spades is worth 13 points. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.
Tips and Tricks for Winning
- Keep Track of Cards Played: It’s important to keep track of which cards have been played, especially the high cards. This will help you avoid taking tricks that contain hearts or the Queen of Spades.
- Watch Your Opponents: Keep an eye on what your opponents are playing. If they are playing a lot of high cards, it’s likely they are trying to dump them on you. If they are playing low cards, they may be trying to avoid taking tricks.
- Avoid Taking the Queen of Spades Early: The queen of spades is worth a whopping 13 points, so it’s best to avoid taking it early in the game. Try to force your opponents to take it instead.
- Try to Dump High Cards Early: If you have a lot of high cards, it’s best to try to get rid of them early in the game. This will help you avoid taking tricks that contain hearts or the queen of spades later on.
Brief History of Hearts
Hearts is believed to have originated in the 18th century in France. The game was known as “Reversis” and was played with a special deck of cards that included only the court cards. Hearts was later adapted to use a standard deck of cards and became the game we know today.
The game gained popularity in the United States in the 19th century and has remained a popular card game ever since. Hearts is often played as a social game and is a favorite of families and friends.
Conclusion
Hearts is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by generations of players. While it may seem simple at first, it requires careful planning and strategy to win. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can improve your chances of coming out on top.
For those that prefer a visual overview-this Youtube Video demonstrates how to play hearts!
FAQs
- What is the objective of Hearts?
The objective of Hearts is to have the lowest score at the end of the game. Points are earned by taking tricks that contain hearts or the queen of spades.
- How do you score in Hearts?
Each heart is worth one point, and the queen of spades is worth 13 points. At the end of each round, players count the number of hearts and the queen of spades they have taken. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.
- Can you lead with a heart on the first trick?
No, hearts cannot be led on the first trick. The player with the two of clubs must lead the first trick.
- Can you break hearts on the first trick?
No, hearts cannot be broken on the first trick. Hearts can only be broken once they have been played in a previous trick.
- How many players can play Hearts?
Hearts is typically played with four players, but it can also be played with three or five players.
For more card games to play with friends, check out this article here!