Pass three cards to begin.
How to play Hearts
Hearts is the classic four-player trick-taking card game — and a game of avoidance. Unlike most card games, you want to take as few points as possible. Every heart is worth one point and the Queen of Spades is worth a brutal thirteen, so the whole game is about dodging tricks that contain them. This free browser version pits you against three computer opponents; lowest score when someone hits 100 wins. No downloads, no signup.
Hearts rules
- Passing. At the start of each hand you pass three cards — left, right, across, then a "keep" hand with no pass, repeating.
- The lead. Whoever holds the 2♣ leads it to start the first trick.
- Follow suit. You must play a card of the suit that was led if you have one. If not, you may play anything (but not a heart or the Queen of Spades on the very first trick).
- Winning a trick. The highest card of the led suit takes the trick — and any points in it — and leads the next.
- Breaking hearts. You can't lead a heart until hearts have been "broken" (played on an earlier trick), unless hearts are all you hold.
- Scoring. Each heart = 1 point, the Q♠ = 13. Fewest points wins; the game ends when a player reaches 100.
Shooting the moon
There's one spectacular exception: if you take every heart and the Queen of Spades in a single hand — all 26 points — you "shoot the moon" and score zero while every opponent takes 26. It's the boldest play in Hearts, but a single point slipping to someone else wrecks it, so commit only when you're sure.
Hearts strategy — how to win
- Get short in a suit. Voiding a suit lets you dump dangerous cards — including the Queen — when it's led.
- Watch the Queen of Spades. If you hold high spades (K♠ or A♠) you can be forced to take the Queen. Shed them, or flush the Queen out by leading spades.
- Duck tricks. Play the highest card that still loses — take the lead only when it's safe and points-free.
- Pass your danger. Send away the Queen, high spades, and high hearts unless you're set up to shoot.
- Count points. Track which hearts and the Queen have fallen so you know when a trick is safe to take.
Frequently asked
How do I play Hearts? Pass three cards, then follow the led suit each trick while avoiding hearts and the Queen of Spades. The 2♣ leads first; lowest score when someone reaches 100 wins.
What is shooting the moon? Taking all 26 points in one hand — you score 0 and everyone else gets 26.
Why can't I lead hearts? Hearts must be "broken" first — played on an earlier trick — before you can lead one.
Is Hearts free? Yes — no signup, no downloads, no installs.
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