Game guide · SXSMQZJ
Know the goal in Hearts
Take a moment to check the current turn. Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. The game area remains available above the explanation. Four players each receive thirteen cards. Pass three cards left, right, across, then hold on successive hands. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
A small practice goal
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. On the first trick, do not discard a heart or Q♠ unless no non-penalty card is available. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
What the game asks you to do
Finish with the lowest penalty total by avoiding hearts and the queen of spades. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The order of play
- 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.
How to interact with the game
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Work through an example
Check the rule below as you play. A trick containing 2♥, 8♥, Q♠ and 5♣ carries fifteen penalty points: two hearts plus the queen of spades. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Notice this detail
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Answers about the rules and controls
When I start, 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. The game is played locally in your browser.
Can you show an example?
A trick containing 2♥, 8♥, Q♠ and 5♣ carries fifteen penalty points: two hearts plus the queen of spades. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
How many people can play here?
You vs 3 computers. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, 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.
On this page, does Q♠ break hearts?
Not at this table. A heart must have been played before hearts can lead, unless the leader holds only hearts. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. A new round resets the current game.