What Is Hearts?
Hearts is a classic trick-taking card game for four players where the goal is to avoid collecting penalty points. Hearts are worth 1 point each, and the Queen of Spades is worth a devastating 13 points. The player with the lowest score when someone reaches 100 points wins. The twist? If you manage to collect ALL the penalty cards in one round ('Shooting the Moon'), everyone else gets 26 points instead. It's a game of careful avoidance with a daring all-or-nothing gambit.
How to Play Hearts
- Each player receives 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck.
- Players must follow the lead suit if possible. If not, they can play any card.
- The highest card of the lead suit wins the trick and leads the next one.
- Hearts cannot be led until a heart has been 'broken' (played on another suit's lead).
- At the end of each round, count penalty points: 1 per heart, 13 for Queen of Spades.
- When any player reaches 100 points, the player with the lowest total wins.
Basic Rules
- You must follow the lead suit if you have cards of that suit.
- Hearts cannot lead a trick until a heart has been played (hearts broken).
- Each heart taken in tricks is worth 1 penalty point.
- The Queen of Spades is worth 13 penalty points.
- Shooting the Moon (taking all hearts + Queen of Spades) gives 26 points to all opponents instead.
- The game ends when a player reaches 100 points. Lowest score wins.
Strategy Tips for Beginners
- Dump high hearts and the Queen of Spades on other players' tricks when you can't follow suit.
- Keep low cards in each suit to avoid winning unwanted tricks.
- Track which hearts and the Queen of Spades have been played.
- If you sense someone is Shooting the Moon, play a heart on their trick to stop them.
- Leading with low cards gives you more control over which tricks you win.
Real Examples of Gameplay
Safe Play
Player 1 leads with the 4 of Clubs. You play the 2 of Clubs (following suit with a low card). Player 2 plays the King and wins — no penalty cards.
Dump the Queen
Player 2 leads the Ace of Spades. You don't have Spades, so you dump the Queen of Spades, giving Player 2 a 13-point penalty.
Variations of Hearts
- Standard Hearts: Classic rules with four players, play to 100 points.
- Omnibus Hearts: The Jack of Diamonds is worth -10 points (a bonus to collect).
Why People Love Hearts
- Hearts is one of the most strategic card games you can play with a standard deck.
- The tension between avoiding penalties and the temptation to Shoot the Moon creates compelling decisions.
- It rewards careful play and card tracking while keeping every round unpredictable.
Play Hearts Online for Free
Play Hearts free in your browser against three computer opponents. Track scores across rounds, avoid the Queen of Spades, and aim for the lowest score. No downloads or accounts needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shooting the Moon in Hearts?
If one player collects ALL 13 hearts plus the Queen of Spades in a single round, they 'Shoot the Moon.' Instead of taking 26 penalty points, all three opponents receive 26 points each. It's a risky but powerful move.
Why can't I lead with hearts?
Hearts can't lead a trick until they've been 'broken' — meaning a heart has been played on a trick led by another suit. This happens when a player can't follow the lead suit and plays a heart instead.
Start Playing Now
Hearts is the thinking person's card game. Every card you play matters, every trick you dodge counts. Avoid those penalties, watch for Shooting the Moon, and aim for the lowest score at the table.